1,100 German doctors register to help Ukraine

More than 1,100 doctors from Germany have registered for deployment in Ukraine or neighbouring countries, according to the German Medical Association, reported dpa.

"The number shows how great the solidarity of the medical profession is with the people in Ukraine. After all, a mission there can be life-threatening," Klaus Reinhardt, president of the association, told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland media group on Monday.

Following an appeal launched by the professional group, doctors registered via an online portal to help treat sick and war-wounded people.

According to Reinhardt, the association is in talks with Germany's Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Health plus the embassies of Ukraine and neighbouring states on how doctors could be deployed.

"As soon as the government notifies us of a need for deployment within the framework of international humanitarian missions, we can provide sufficient doctors," said Reinhardt.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wrote on Twitter: "We are doing everything we can to place these doctors where they can help without irresponsibly endangering themselves."

Cooperation with Ukraine and neighbouring countries was close, he added. In addition, injured and sick people are being flown out and cared for in Germany and other EU states, he said.