Released from captivity: where to the military to seek medical help

The soldiers released from captivity face new challenges that require not only physical but also psychological recovery. The focus understood what services the reintegration centers of war veterans provide and how to use them. The war leaves unforgettable traces not only on the battlefield, but also in the hearts of those who have been captured.

During the 10 years of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the Russian Federation has repeatedly violated the rules and customs of war, as well as international humanitarian law in cases of prisoners of war. Therefore, a large number of military captured by the Russian captivity requires systemic and long -term treatment and rehabilitation. In Resolution No. 296 of March 15, 2024, the Cabinet detailed the mechanism of providing such assistance.

According to the lawyer of NGO "Legal Hundred" Natalia Shmarko, medical assistance for the released from captivity provides the following stages: the extract of released from captivity is carried out according to medical testimony. The doctor provides recommendations for further outpatient treatment, rehabilitation and psychological assistance, social services, in particular, placement in social institutions.

Also, released from captivity, assistance with social and professional adaptation and spa treatment is available. After discharge, the military is under the control of family doctors or medical and psychological service in the military unit. If a person needs psychological help, you can contact the veterans reintegration centers.

Experts in such institutions are engaged in: "In case of depression, anxiety, adaptive, acute stress and post-traumatic stressful disorders, which can lead to a restriction of daily functioning, psychologist or psychologist who provides psychological help, must have a compulsory additional specialization ( Certification) from one of the methods of psychotherapy with proven effectiveness that have an evidence base of international research and recommended by international protocols, "says Focus Sharko.

In addition, psychological assistance can be provided in military units (units), as well as in military medical institutions. If they are released from captivity in difficult circumstances, they must be sent to social protection authorities or providing social services to evaluate their individual needs. It is worth noting that veterans' reintegration projects are actively developing in Ukraine and providing comprehensive assistance. One of the centers since 2023 has been working in Lviv region.

There, defenders undergo physical and sports rehabilitation, receive psychological assistance, and can attend free employment training and opening their own business. According to the Cabinet resolution, the reintegration centers should apply an individual approach to defenders. Each military is separately provided, and time for visiting the family is determined by the head of the reintegration team. The military should reside in wards equipped with showers.

One to three people can reside in one ward. The Cabinet resolution also states that the territory of the Reintegration Center should be separated, fenced, equipped with tracks for persons with disabilities adapted for spending time on the street, including walks. The reintegration centers should have a room for group, individual work with psychologists, as well as space for social and professional adaptation, creativity, sports and areas of psychological unloading.