God is using Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Units in Ukraine to bring treatment and healing where providers are scarce.
Though once at death’s door, today, Maria* is standing and walking. Her fellow citizen Oleksandr* used to wrestle with high blood pressure on top of his disability, but now, he has fresh health and hope. The changes for both Ukrainians came after visits from Samaritan’s Purse medical professionals dedicated to serving near the frontlines where healthcare is in short supply.
Since 2024, our two Mobile Medical Units—each staffed with two general practitioners, three nurses, a psychologist, and a chaplain, as well as a roving cardiologist and endocrinologist—have treated over 4,400 patients with outpatient care.
Maria, 66, struggled with her health for years. She’s lived alone since retiring from teaching kindergarten and working in the dairy industry, but in September 2024 she developed persistent swelling and severe shortness of breath that made it difficult to move.
No healthcare was available in Maria’s village. The nearest medical facility was over six miles away and only accessible by bus one day a week via a damaged road. The nearest pharmacy was even further away.
A nurse with our Mobile Medical Unit checks Maria’s lungs after she suffered from bilateral pneumonia.
After being transported by ambulance to a distant hospital where she was diagnosed with heart failure, Maria was treated briefly before being sent home to recover. Then, in April 2025, she developed bilateral pneumonia and had to be hospitalized again. Returning home from that episode, she could no longer walk and spent her days lying down.
“I really thought it was time to prepare for death,” Maria said.
Caring Visits Rejuvenate Ailing Woman
Learning of our free services, Maria gladly welcomed a family doctor and nurse from the Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Unit to her home.
“They listened to me, examined me, asked questions, prescribed treatment, and provided medications I needed for a month,” Maria said.
When the medical team returned four weeks later, the doctor praised her for taking her medications consistently and continued her treatment plan. In that short time, Maria had already begun to stand and walk. Her progress was slow but measurable!
Maria credits the medications prescribed to her by the Mobile Medical Unit as being instrumental in helping her walk again.
The Mobile Medical Unit returned to Maria’s village in another month’s time to treat patients at the local first aid post. This time, Maria did not require a home visit but came to the community location for her appointment.
“The treatment helped me,” Maria said. “I’ve regained some strength and I even managed to do a small repair inside my hallway.” For one who thought she was going to die, being able to complete the project was like a miracle!
Maria credits the support from the Mobile Medical Unit as a key to her recovery. The providers were polite and attentive, giving her clear instructions on how to take her medication, while supplying prescriptions for her as well. Maria was especially grateful for this aid, because without it, the cost of her regular medications would be out of reach for her small pension.
Maria has “only words of thanks” for the Mobile Medical Unit, which she continues to visit when they come to her area regularly. They are pleased to see her and continue to encourage her with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Maria has weathered her health challenges by relying on Almighty God, whom she gives the highest praise. She is praying for her son’s salvation. Please pray for her and for her son.
Disabled Man Thanks God for Sending Us
Oleksandr, 51, relies on his faith in Jesus Christ to survive. He began attending church in 2001, and began praying and reading the Bible. This led him to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of his life—a decision he encourages all people to make.
In the next two decades, his work in railway operations took him to different cities. He married Viktoriia* and had two sons, but everything changed in 2020, when at age 44, Oleksandr suffered a severe stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side. Suddenly disabled, he was forced to leave his job.
Six years ago, Oleksandr suffered from a severe stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side.
His illness became a difficult test, but it also led him to a deeper understanding of life and drew him closer to God.
As conflict erupted in 2022, Oleksandr and his family stayed in their home near the frontlines, though travel to medical care became a significant challenge. When he learned through a phone chat group that Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Unit was coming to the village, he decided to request assistance.
“The doctors treated me very well, very professionally,” Oleksandr said. “They asked a lot about my health. I only have positive feedback. I thank God for you.”
“I only have positive feedback. I thank God for you,” Oleksandr said of the Mobile Medical Unit’s care.
The Mobile Medical Unit provided Oleksandr with medications, relieving a significant financial burden for his family. The cardiologist also changed his blood pressure medication and thanks to this decision, his condition stabilized and improved. Conversations with Samaritan’s Purse psychologist also helped him cope with his stress, and he has since recommended the Mobile Medical Unit to his neighbors.
Oleksandr visists the Mobile Medical Unit.
“I thank God that He helps me through you,” Oleksandr said. He is grateful for not only the medical assistance from Samaritan’s Purse, but the emotional and spiritual care that accompanies it.
As a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, Oleksandr is grateful to receive care from other Christians and treasures the gift of a Bible in Ukrainian from the Mobile Medical Team.
Please pray for the ongoing ministry of Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Units in Ukraine. Ask that every consultation would point people to the eternal hope of Jesus Christ, and that providers and patients alike would be protected as they navigate the daily dangers.
*Name changed for security
