On 17 October 2023, in response to the identified needs of the Ukrainian border guards in physical rehabilitation, the EU-funded EU4IBM-Resilience project implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development procured and delivered the first batch of the requested medical equipment to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
After the Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the EU4IBM initiative quickly adapted its resources to meet the urgent needs of Ukrainian integrated border management agencies and support their continued operation amid the war. The current project pursues these efforts to assist border guards who are not only managing the border with the EU member states in the new context but also actively defending the country against hostile neighbours and fighting at the temporary separation lines with occupied territories.
“The ongoing war has resulted in a significant demand for rehabilitation of injured servicemen and servicewomen. The EU4IBM-Resilience Project stepped up to enhance the rehabilitation capacities of the Ukrainian border guard agency”, says Arunas Adomenas, EU4IBM-Resilience Team Leader.
In response to the equipment needs identified by the Ukrainian counterparts, the project has acquired and delivered equipment valued at 400,000 UAH. This equipment comprises simple yet effective tools that will be used for daily physical rehabilitation procedures carried out by specialized professionals at SBGS medical facilities and sanatoriums.
However, to meet the growing need for rehabilitation equipment, the Project further works on procuring and providing advanced physical rehabilitation equipment. More complex specialized tools, like cryotherapy devices, ceiling hoist systems and exoskeletons, will play a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation of SBGS personnel with more severe injuries.
