In 2024, the state provided free prostheses and orthopedic products to about 10,000 Ukrainians, including 2,500 military personnel. About it during press conference Olena Kulchytska, adviser to the Minister of Social Policy, said in “Ukraine Media Center”.
According to her, these 10,000 people received a total of 16,000 prosthetic products. In Ukraine, patients, including military personnel, have the right to several types of prostheses, depending on the need. However, there are cases when patients who need a bionic prosthesis receive a mechanical one. Kulchytska explained that the choice of the type of prosthesis is determined by specialists, taking into account medical indications, and not by the patient himself.
She also noted that sometimes prosthetists with many years of experience may not take into account the opinion of rehabilitators, which leads to a “low-quality and ineffective approach.” According to the adviser, there are cases when prosthetists impose their decisions regarding the completeness of the prosthesis, not taking into account all the medical needs of the patient, which calls into question professional integrity.
The Ministry of Social Policy hopes to introduce changes to the Law in the field of rehabilitation from January 1, 2025, according to which prostheses will be prescribed by a multidisciplinary team. Individual doctors can recommend individual aids, such as sticks or crutches.
How to get a prosthesis in Ukraine
Free prostheses can be obtained not only by military personnel, but also by injured or disabled civilians. The following are entitled to free prostheses:
- military, law enforcement officers, veterans;
- civilians affected by the war;
- persons with disabilities who were injured not as a result of hostilities;
- children with disabilities or musculoskeletal disorders.
To receive a prosthesis, you need to submit an application to the local social security department, TsNAP, the Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, or through the electronic office of a person with disabilities. You need to carry your passport, identification code, a conclusion on the need for rehabilitation, and for military personnel, a certificate on the circumstances of the injury and a certificate of a participant in hostilities, if any.
