Ukraine’s hospitals under strain, even with few virus cases

CHERNIVTSI, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s troubled health care system has been overwhelmed by the coronavirus, even though it has reported a relatively low number of cases at over 15,000. A war with Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine’s eastern region and its struggling economy are widely blamed for the desperate condition of its hospitals. Health care reforms launched under the previous president have slashed government subsidies, leaving medical workers underpaid and without essential equipment. As the pandemic floods hospitals with patients, doctors and nurses have to make their own protective gear. There also aren’t enough breathing machines. Medical workers account for about a fifth of all coronavirus cases in the country. Many are demanding more support from the government.