"It's My Hospital, I'm a Doctor," Cries Injured Dr. of Kyiv Hospital After Russian Missile Strikes

In the midst of a devastating missile strike in Ukraine, Dr. Ihor Kolodka's unwavering dedication to his patients shone through. Despite being injured himself, he continued to perform his duties at Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv. 

Summarized Insights:

• Dr. Kolodka continued surgery during attack.

• Hospital hit in large-scale bombardment.

• Many injured, including children.

• Dr. Kolodka treated self, helped others.

The attack occurred during a large-scale Russian bombardment that claimed the lives of at least 41 people across various cities in Ukraine on that fateful Monday.

Dr. Kolodka was in the middle of performing cleft-lip surgery on an infant when the air-raid sirens blared. 

The operating team, committed to their task, pressed on despite the looming danger. 

The situation took a drastic turn when an explosion rocked the hospital, causing significant damage and injuries.

"I could not not help," Dr. Kolodka recounted in a phone conversation hours after the attack. 

His voice, filled with determination and emotion, reflected his deep sense of responsibility. 

"It’s my hospital, my people. I’m a doctor." But before he could assist others, he needed medical attention himself. 

His forehead was lacerated, and he sought a colleague to stitch up the wound before rushing outside to help with the rescue efforts.

The attack on Okhmatdyt children’s hospital was part of a broader Russian assault, purportedly targeting military facilities. 

However, the hospital's casualties included one doctor and another adult, with at least 16 others injured, seven of them children. 

The two-story medical building, located about 150 yards from the main hospital, sustained the most extensive damage, with its structure completely collapsed.

When the sirens sounded, medical staff swiftly moved patients who could be relocated into hallways, away from windows. 

However, the explosion left many "badly injured" people staggering through the halls, as one doctor recalled. 

Amidst the chaos and destruction, Dr. Kolodka’s resolve remained unshaken.

Dr. Kolodka, 30, has been working at Okhmatdyt for a little over three years. 

On that tragic day, the infant girl he was operating on survived the ordeal, albeit with the surgery incomplete. 

The power outage forced the doctors to halt the procedure. 

They used a manual respirator to keep the baby breathing before moving her to another hospital for continued care.

The harrowing events at Okhmatdyt children’s hospital underscore the indiscriminate nature of the violence and the resilience of medical professionals like Dr. Kolodka. 

Despite personal injury and overwhelming circumstances, their commitment to saving lives remains steadfast. 

Dr. Kolodka’s story is a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for courage and compassion even in the face of adversity. 

His actions exemplify the profound sense of duty that drives healthcare workers worldwide, especially in conflict zones where their work becomes even more critical.

As Ukraine continues to endure the ravages of war, the world must recognize and support the efforts of individuals like Dr. Kolodka. 

Their bravery and dedication are vital in mitigating the human cost of conflict and in providing a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.