The support of the Spanish Government through its Ministry of Defence and the determination of the Minister Margarita Robles has been important in guaranteeing the efficient transfer to hospital.
In a historic milestone for Spanish solidarity, the Santa Clara Convent Foundation, led by the tireless Sister Lucía Caram, has managed to raise the funds needed to build a field hospital in Ukraine. This project, which began just over a year ago, is the result of the Foundation's ability to mobilise civil society, companies such as ARPA and countless anonymous individuals who have donated generously.
Thanks to the drive of Sister Lucía Caram and her tireless work to raise awareness, numerous meetings, trips and campaigns have been held to publicise this cause. During this persevering search for funds, it is worth highlighting the presentation of the project to the Holy Father and the Creole mass that was held last Christmas in the unique setting of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, with David Bisbal and Pasión Vega in attendance. Thanks to Sister Lucía and her determination and commitment, which have been fundamental in achieving this objective, the great milestone of having the field hospital already manufactured has been reached and it will soon leave for its final destination.
For its part, ARPA (the Spanish acronym for the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation), with more than 55 years‘ experience in humanitarian projects, has contributed its knowledge of the construction and deployment of infrastructures in complex environments. During this week, a highly qualified team is receiving specialised training at ARPA’s facilities to be prepared to face the challenges of this mission.
In a few weeks' time, these professionals will travel to Ukraine to set up and launch the field hospital, which will be a beacon of hope for saving lives. This field hospital will be a vital space for attending to the medical needs of the Ukrainian population affected by the conflict. Thanks to the generosity of the Spanish people, lives can be saved and the suffering of thousands of people alleviated.
Sister Lucía Caram commented that: "This hospital is more than a building, it is a symbol of the hope that we have sown in Ukraine. Thanks to the generosity of each donor, we have managed to build a beacon of light in the midst of darkness. ‘Clara Arpa: “Our company has put all its knowledge and resources at the service of this cause. We are proud to have been able to form part of this team and to have contributed in our own small way.”
Source: Cuatro, Risto Mejide programme