"Frontline Healer: Dr. Baksheiev’s Lifeline for Women's Health in War-Torn Ukraine"

"Since 2022, Dr. Serhii Baksheiev has conducted over 1,000 gynecological examinations using his mobile clinic 'The Feminine Shuttle', offering crucial healthcare to women in conflict areas of Ukraine. With the war severely impacting health services, he navigates dangerous territories to provide free medical assistance, highlighting the significant health challenges women face in this hostile environment."

In a small village near the Ukrainian front line, women form a quiet line outside a unique purple and white ambulance, eager to receive medical care from a doctor whose head is shaved and dyed in blue and yellow, reflecting the colors of the Ukrainian flag. For many waiting, this is their first chance to see a doctor since the onset of the war over three years ago.

Dr. Serhii Baksheiev, 53, has dedicated himself to women's health in the midst of conflict, conducting more than 1,000 gynecological examinations throughout frontline and occupied areas in his mobile clinic, affectionately termed 'The Feminine Shuttle', complete with a striking pink examination chair. "This is a humanitarian volunteering mission," Dr. Baksheiev states, emphasizing that his services are completely free for those who desperately need them.

The ongoing war with Russia has severely strained Ukraine's healthcare infrastructure, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting over 1,940 attacks on medical facilities since the invasion—a staggering number for any humanitarian crisis. Dr. Baksheiev was initially rooted in a bunker in Kyiv, assisting in childbirth amid the chaos of aerial bombardments.

The concept of a mobile clinic emerged after witnessing firsthand the devastation of medical facilities during his frontline missions, especially in regions like Kharkiv and Chernihiv, where many hospitals were obliterated. "The most challenging part was the absence of gynecological services due to the lack of tools and equipment,” he recalls, noting that prior to the establishment of his mobile clinic, examinations were conducted on improvised surfaces, sometimes forcing him to kneel on the floor.

Now, the electric vehicle is fully equipped with essentials, including an ultrasound machine and the instruments required for minor surgeries. During a typical two-day mission, Dr. Baksheiev and his team can perform up to 80 colposcopies, a vital procedure for detecting signs of cancer in the cervix and vulva.

Serving in remote villages, often occupied by Russian forces, the workforce operates covertly, conducting examinations discreetly and leaving before attracting attention. Alarming statistics show that rates of ovarian and cervical cancer detection have decreased by 17% and 10%, respectively, since the war began. However, the medical team has observed a concerning rise in malignant tumors among patients they manage to treat, with about 4% of women diagnosed with malignant tumors.

Dr. Ulana Supron, a former health minister in Ukraine, expresses deep concerns over the "ticking time bomb" posed by the prolonged war. "There is significant worry in the public health community regarding the long-term effects on both physical and mental health, as constant stress and psychological trauma persist."

Amidst rebuilding efforts, which include the restoration of 964 medical facilities that have been damaged, Dr. Baksheiev’s dedication to volunteerism continues, undeterred by his own cancer diagnosis in September 2024. "Beyond medical examinations, we listen to their stories, which often recount the traumatic experiences of attacks on their villages,” he adds. "Thus, we find ourselves not only as physicians but also as therapists for these women, who embody formidable strength amidst their struggles."