Ukraine: 44,000+ Receive Prosthetics Since 2022; $190M Program Funding

Over 44,000 people have received prosthetics under Ukraine's state program since Russia's full-scale war began, according to Minister of Social Policy Denys Uliutin. The state fully covers the cost for all applicants, and current funding is sufficient.

This figure is a partial measure of the war's impact, as estimates of Ukrainians who lost limbs ranged from 20,000 to 50,000 by 2023, a number that has since grown. Some individuals also rely on charities or treatment abroad.

Ukraine has adopted a roadmap to reform its prosthetics system, which previously suffered from a broken patient pathway, opaque pricing, quality concerns, and long waits. The 2026 program for assistive rehabilitation devices and prosthetics is funded at nearly $190 million, with over $24 million allocated for high-functional prostheses. An interagency working group, including ministries and users, developed this reform roadmap.

Uliutin stated that queues are primarily due to the need for more specialists and market expansion, rather than a lack of funds. Upper-limb prosthetics remain the most challenging area, requiring more prosthetists and longer rehabilitation. Ukraine has simplified access to sports prosthetics, increased funding for children's prosthetics, and provides externally powered upper-limb devices to children. High-functional prosthetics are also available to foreigners who fought against Russia. Ukraine's expertise in prosthetics is now world-leading, with foreigners training there. The state also compensates employers for workplace adaptations and offers up to $1,200 for vehicle adaptations.