Despite comments from Ukrainian doctors that jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko does not require hospitalization, German doctors who examined her at Kharkiv hospital recommended Tymoshenko continue to be treated in a hospital.
Tymoshenko has been receiving treatment for back problems in a hospital since May 2012.
The 52-year-old opposition leader was convicted of abuse of office for signing a natural-gas-import deal with Russia in 2009 that was considered damaging to Ukraine's interests.
She was sentenced to seven years in prison in October 2011.
She denies the charges and accuses her political rival, President Viktor Yanukovych, of helping orchestrate the case against her to keep her out of politics.
Tymoshenko is scheduled to appear in a Kyiv court to face new charges of tax evasion and embezzlement on March 4.
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister Oleksandr Kachur conceded on February 28 that Tymoshenko requires "further exercise" for her back problems but not necessarily in a hospital.
"We think that these measures, including the physical exercises that are recommended by the German doctors, can be followed outside of hospital. This is the conclusion made by Ukraine's health commission," Kachur said.
"I have to say, we respect the opinion of our German colleagues. We are looking forward for their official statement that has to be released within two days. We will study it and make our final decision based on that."
Doctor's Orders
The head of Germany's Charite-University Hospital, Karl Max Einhaupl, and other German doctors examined Tymoshenko on February 28.
"First of all, Ms. Tymoshenko is ill. Secondly, she needs further medical treatment," Einhaupl said. "We strongly recommend the treatment is continued in the hospital."
Einhaupl also discussed her upcoming court appearance.
"We cannot advise our patient on whether to go or not to go to the court hearing. This decision must be made by the patient and her lawyer," he said.
"If it comes to actually transporting the patient from Kharkiv to Kyiv, we think this should be done in special medical transport only, hence in ambulance."
Tymoshenko has said she wants to attend the trial.
Tymoshenko has been receiving treatment for back problems in a hospital since May 2012.
The 52-year-old opposition leader was convicted of abuse of office for signing a natural-gas-import deal with Russia in 2009 that was considered damaging to Ukraine's interests.
She was sentenced to seven years in prison in October 2011.
She denies the charges and accuses her political rival, President Viktor Yanukovych, of helping orchestrate the case against her to keep her out of politics.
Tymoshenko is scheduled to appear in a Kyiv court to face new charges of tax evasion and embezzlement on March 4.
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister Oleksandr Kachur conceded on February 28 that Tymoshenko requires "further exercise" for her back problems but not necessarily in a hospital.
"We think that these measures, including the physical exercises that are recommended by the German doctors, can be followed outside of hospital. This is the conclusion made by Ukraine's health commission," Kachur said.
"I have to say, we respect the opinion of our German colleagues. We are looking forward for their official statement that has to be released within two days. We will study it and make our final decision based on that."
Doctor's Orders
The head of Germany's Charite-University Hospital, Karl Max Einhaupl, and other German doctors examined Tymoshenko on February 28.
"First of all, Ms. Tymoshenko is ill. Secondly, she needs further medical treatment," Einhaupl said. "We strongly recommend the treatment is continued in the hospital."
Einhaupl also discussed her upcoming court appearance.
"We cannot advise our patient on whether to go or not to go to the court hearing. This decision must be made by the patient and her lawyer," he said.
"If it comes to actually transporting the patient from Kharkiv to Kyiv, we think this should be done in special medical transport only, hence in ambulance."
Tymoshenko has said she wants to attend the trial.