Bucha, Ukraine, 24 July 2024 — As part of the joint EU-UNDP “Mayors for Economic Growth” project, the first rehabilitation department providing ambulatory services was opened in Bucha. The department will provide services to all citizens, including war veterans, children with disabilities, people with injuries, people recovering from surgery, or strokes, and people with musculoskeletal impairments, and neurological conditions. The department will be based at the Municipal Consultative and Diagnostic Centre.

According to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, about 200,000 patients need qualitative rehabilitation services every year. Therefore, increasing the number of institutions providing such services will help meet the need for rehabilitation, and make it more accessible and closer to patients.

The Mayors for Economic Growth project in Bucha financed the purchase of rehabilitation equipment, advanced training for a physical therapist, and cosmetic repairs for the newly created department. According to preliminary estimates, about 2,000 Bucha residents will be able to receive rehabilitation services in the new department every year.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine noted: “Our joint project with UNDP supports many war-affected cities such as Bucha in faster recovery through piloting new tools and approaches of local economic planning and better management of the residents’ needs. The opening of the rehabilitation department in Bucha is a good example of our work on the ground for the benefit of citizens. This project will provide the necessary support and medical care to those in need, and we are proud to support its implementation.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, underlined the importance of supporting such projects: “The opening of the rehabilitation department in Bucha is an important step towards restoring and strengthening the health of this particular community and Ukrainians in general. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes the right to habilitation and rehabilitation, and in order to ensure this right, it is important to strengthen and develop habilitation and rehabilitation services and programmes. We are proud to support initiatives that improve access to medical services and help people recover and maintain their physical health. This department will become a reliable support for those who need rehabilitation.”

Anatoliy Fedoruk, Mayor of Bucha, highlighted the importance of the new department: “The opening of this rehabilitation department is an extremely important step for our community. Many of our veterans need qualitative rehabilitation services during the war, and now they will be able to get it here, close to home. In addition, the department will serve our entire community by helping residents regain their health. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the EU and UNDP for supporting this vital project. Together, we are making an important contribution to the health and recovery of our society.”

The Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) facility is a joint initiative of the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme to support municipalities in the Eastern Partnership region, including Ukraine The initiative is intended to help build the capacity of local authorities in key areas related to community development in the current context. The project offers resources, a network of communication and educational opportunities to explore new growth trajectories, improve living standards and employment, and ensure civic participation in economic, social, and cultural processes at local level.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org