Ukrainian refugees fleeing Vladimir Putin’s barbaric invasion will receive free NHS care.
The new regulations cover any treatment that started on or after February 24 — the date Russia began blitzing its neighbour.
It means that Ukrainians will get free GP appointments and nurse consultations, as well as hospital services and urgent care centres.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid today said that it’s the country’s ‘moral duty’ to ensure anyone escaping Ukraine can access healthcare they need ‘without worrying about the cost’.
Current guidance outlines that all refugees are supposed to be exempt from charges for using the NHS.
Visitors in the UK who are not deemed eligible for treatment usually face costs of up to £28,000 for some surgeries. A&E services, treatment for most infectious diseases and contraception are already free to all.
The Government has so far donated 1.8million medical items of Ukraine, including wound care packs, intensive care equipment and vital medicines.
And 21 Ukrainian children with cancer who arrived in England on Sunday evening are now receiving life-saving treatment at seven NHS hospitals.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said it’s the country’s ‘moral duty to ensure any Ukrainian arriving in England’ can access the healthcare they need ‘without worrying about the cost’
Around 150,000 Britons have signed up to the Government’s Home for Ukraine scheme and to host a refugee
Mr Javid said: ‘It’s our moral duty to ensure any Ukrainian arriving in England, after being forced out of their home country by the Russian invasion is able to access the healthcare they might need, without worrying about the cost.
‘We have acted swiftly to provide substantial humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with our international partners.
‘Those in need of care will be treated by our incredible NHS staff as we welcome them to this country.’
Patients not eligible for NHS treatment are usually charged up to £28,000 for treatment, such as brain surgery, heart and lung transplants and cancer treatment.
To be eligible for free care, Ukrainians in the UK must be on a temporary visa or a family sponsored route to England.
They can also fall under the waiver if they choose to extend their seasonal worker visa or are in the process of switching visas.
The United Nations estimates 3.1million people have fled Ukraine since Putin’s invasion began three weeks ago.
The vast majority, 1.9million, have gone to Poland, while around 500,000 are in Romania and 350,000 have been taken in by Moldova.
In the UK, around 6,100 visas have been granted through the Ukraine Family Scheme — which allows Ukrainians to come to the UK if they have family in the country.
And anyone with a valid Ukrainian passport can now travel to the UK without attending an in-person appointment to conduct biometric checks.
The Government has also launched the Home for Ukraine scheme and 150,000 Britons have already put their name down to host a refugee.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: ‘The people of Ukraine are facing unimaginable suffering and trauma at the hands of Putin’s barbaric regime.
‘We are providing a safe haven for some of those people and as soon as they arrive in England they will be able to access the support they need, including healthcare, education, benefits and the right to work – helping to provide some stability at a difficult time.’
It comes after 21 ‘very ill’ Ukrainian children with cancer landed in the UK on Sunday evening.
Mr Javid said the children would now receive life-saving care in safety, without the threat of being bombed by invading Russian troops.
It comes as the war in Ukraine today enters its third week.
Putin’s forces last night bombed a theatre where 1,200 civilians, including sick children and women, had been taking shelter from the conflict.
But officials said it is impossible to know how many people were killed or injured in the attack because the shelling of residential areas continues in the city, meaning rescuers can’t reach those trapped in the rubble.
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