Ukraine: MP Calls for Increased Physiotherapy Aid
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to generate a humanitarian crisis, and the necessitate for specialized medical care for those injured in combat is immense. Beyond the immediate trauma care, a critical, often overlooked aspect of recovery is physiotherapy – and a growing number of international medical professionals are stepping up to provide support. , marks a significant moment in this effort, as attention focuses on initiatives to bolster physiotherapy resources within Ukraine.
Sonia Kumar, a Labour MP representing Dudley – and notably, a practicing NHS physiotherapist – recently led a first-of-its-kind visit to Ukraine to deliver training to local clinicians. Kumar, elected in the general election, was moved to action after a visit in September, witnessing firsthand the resilience and bravery of Ukrainian soldiers and the scale of their injuries. Her recent trip, undertaken via a “rickety train,” focused on equipping 25 clinicians with the skills to address the complex needs of war-wounded patients.
The scale of the need is staggering. President Zelensky has reported 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in action, with many more sustaining injuries. Other sources suggest the number of casualties could be as high as 200,000. Kumar’s training addressed a range of common combat injuries, mirroring those seen in the UK – back injuries, neurological deficits, shoulder injuries, and ankle sprains. Though, she quickly discovered the context of care differed dramatically.
“If you have an ankle injury and that balloons up, how do you manage that quickly and get someone back to fighting?” Kumar recounted, highlighting the urgent need for rapid rehabilitation to return soldiers to the front lines. The pressures faced by Ukrainian medical staff are immense, demanding a focus on functional recovery rather than long-term, comprehensive care. She also encountered patients with brain injuries and limb amputations, many of whom expressed a remarkable determination to return to service, stating, “I would do it again.”
Kumar wasn’t alone in this effort. She was joined by Anju Jaggi, Clinical Director of Therapies at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, and physiotherapist Tanisha Sandhu, both contributing their expertise to the training program in Kyiv. This collaboration underscores a growing international commitment to supporting Ukraine’s healthcare system.
The focus isn’t solely on physical rehabilitation. Kumar emphasized the critical importance of mental health support, recognizing the intertwined nature of physical and psychological trauma. However, she noted that Ukrainian healthcare staff overwhelmingly requested practical skills and partnerships, rather than simply expressions of sympathy. “Mental support is just as needed, because its entwined, it’s hand in hand, but they were saying to me they also want practical support,” she explained.
This demand for practical assistance is echoed by other organizations working within Ukraine. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is actively supporting the Ministry of Health by providing physiotherapy training and technical support to hospitals in the Zhytomyr region. They’ve also launched a new rehabilitation project in Cherkasy, a city strategically located near the frontline, receiving a high influx of newly injured patients.
The need for specialized care extends beyond Ukraine’s borders. Dmytro, a Ukrainian soldier injured in a Russian shell attack last July, is currently receiving NHS treatment in Kent, England. He is one of the first Ukrainian soldiers to benefit from this program, initiated after the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust offered care. Dmytro’s story is particularly poignant; a project manager in Kyiv before the war, he volunteered for the Territorial Defence Forces on the first day of the full-scale invasion. His injuries were severe – damage to his knees and right hand, coupled with nerve damage – requiring 23 operations and extensive rehabilitation to learn to walk again.
Dmytro’s wife, Maryna, navigated a complex bureaucratic process to secure his transfer to the UK, where their family had already sought refuge in . Their hope is to return to Ukraine once the conflict ends, but for now, they are grateful for the care he is receiving. His case highlights the growing strain on Ukraine’s healthcare system and the necessity of international collaboration to provide comprehensive care for its wounded soldiers.
The initiatives led by Kumar, MSF, and the NHS represent a vital, multifaceted response to the healthcare crisis in Ukraine. The focus on physiotherapy, coupled with mental health support, acknowledges the holistic needs of those affected by the conflict. As the war continues, the demand for these services will only increase, underscoring the importance of sustained international commitment and practical assistance.
Kumar is now actively exploring ways to expand UK support for healthcare professionals in Ukraine, focusing on building sustainable partnerships and providing the skills and resources needed to address the ongoing crisis. The situation demands not just sympathy, but tangible, long-term investment in the country’s healthcare infrastructure and its dedicated medical personnel.