RECOVER TOGETHER: how the rehabilitation of military personnel has become part of Ukraine's security.

According to ТСН: The RECOVER TOGETHER program brought together over 100 speakers from Ukraine and other countries, including Israel and the United Kingdom. Conference participants discussed practical reports, cases, and various discussions on creating a systematic, large-scale, and accessible rehabilitation for military personnel and veterans. The main idea was that rehabilitation is an important component of the security and defense capability of the state today, not just after the war.

The importance of rehabilitation

During the opening of the conference, businessman and philanthropist, founder of the RECOVERY project, Viktor Pinchuk, emphasized the need for the rehabilitation of heroes participating in the war:

“Firstly. In this war, our Heroes on the front line are participating uniquely. Only they risk their lives, give their lives or a large part of their health. When they return, it is necessary that they see: the attitude towards them has changed; it is unique. That the country, society, the state—everyone understands what they have done. If they feel this—it's important. If not—there will be an unreal socio-economic problem in the country.

“Secondly. Our Heroes are fighting for our independence there, on the front line. If something happens to their health upon returning, they must know: “If something happens—someone will take care of me at the highest level.” They need to know what can wait for them here—what centers, what doctors.

“Thirdly. There is a lack of not just people on the front line, but specialists—those who have experience and motivation. 70—75% of patients in our centers are active military personnel, and most will be returning to the front. This is a direct contribution to national security.”

The conference also discussed modern military rehabilitation, focusing on topics such as combat trauma, neurosurgical interventions, and professional standards for rehabilitation specialists.

The experience of veterans

Veterans shared important thoughts on rehabilitation. The panel “Experience that changes the country” was moderated by Taras Topolia, the frontman of the band “Antytila.” Various veterans participated in the discussion, sharing their recovery stories.

The discussions also focused on the importance of restoring sexual life after injuries and the specifics of rehabilitating those freed from captivity. Issues of mental health and the new architecture of resilience were touched upon within the framework of the “How Are You?” program by Olena Zelenska.

Technologies in rehabilitation

They discussed how technologies are changing rehabilitation medicine: modern rehabilitation encompasses not only physical but also psychological, family, and technological aspects. Participants noted the need for coordination among all parties to create an effective recovery system.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Iryna Vereshchuk noted:

“Before the full-scale war, the recovery system in Ukraine was technologically outdated and not designed for such scales of challenges. Over the past few years, the rehabilitation industry has gained new resources, technologies, equipment, and professionals. A great contribution to this has been made by projects like RECOVERY, founded by Viktor and Olena Pinchuk.”

Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Yevhen Moysyuk emphasized that the return of prepared military personnel to service is a critically important task for the state:

“Recovery is one of the most important components of our army's combat readiness. More than 70% of the injured return to service, and they return not as newcomers, but as veterans with experience, who are much more effective in combat.”

Head of the National Health Service of Ukraine Nataliya Husak added that patient orientation is critically important:

“Patient orientation is extremely important for us, and private partners have the same goals as the National Health Service of Ukraine.”

Minister of Health Viktor Liashko also emphasized the importance of integrating physical and psychological recovery:

“We have also recognized that without psychological rehabilitation, the recovery process will not be complete.”

The RECOVER TOGETHER conference became an important step in the development of the rehabilitation program in Ukraine, which united over 18 centers and nearly 40 thousand restored military personnel.

During the work of the RECOVERY project, educational events were attended by more than 6,300 rehabilitation specialists from all over Ukraine. This raises the level of professionalism and creates a foundation for the quality recovery of defenders.