Over a three year period, more than 70 billion rubles have been allocated to support the rehabilitation of participants in the special military operation in Ukraine. This figure emerged during a recent meeting where the information was presented by the Minister of Health, Mikhail Murashko, as reported by RIA News. The allocation underscores a sustained commitment to medical care for individuals who sustained injuries in the conflict, reflecting a broader state policy aimed at ensuring access to comprehensive health services for those who served in the operation. The plan encompasses a range of medical interventions, from initial assessments and emergency treatment to long term rehabilitation, with an emphasis on restoring functionality and quality of life for wounded participants. According to the minister, the financial package is designed to cover specialized medical needs, including rehabilitation programs, medical equipment, and ongoing follow up, across facilities that have the capacity to tailor care to each patient’s unique medical profile. The emphasis is not only on immediate stabilization but also on enabling a path to recovery that aligns with the individual recovery trajectories of veterans, drawing from the experiences of healthcare providers who are tasked with delivering care in a demanding environment as part of the national health system.
Officials state that SVO participants are entitled to privileged treatment under the program of state guarantees for free medical care. Murashko highlighted that the wounded should be treated first and foremost in medical institutions equipped with the necessary resources to meet the specific needs of each patient. This approach ensures that care begins promptly at facilities that are prepared to address the severity and complexity of the injuries sustained, with clinicians coordinating across departments to optimize outcomes. The system is designed to streamline referrals, minimize delays in essential services, and maintain continuity of care from acute management through rehabilitation and follow up. In practice, this means access to multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and other allied health professionals, working together to formulate and implement individualized treatment plans that reflect the patient’s medical status, goals, and personal circumstances. The ultimate aim is to support full participation in daily life and, where possible, to restore the ability to perform tasks that were hindered by injuries in the context of military service, as reported by the health authorities.
Earlier measures in Russia expanded support for healthcare professionals who assist SVO participants. The government clarified that payments are tied to an employee’s role and the total time worked, acknowledging the critical role that medical staff play in supporting those who served. For instance, the most substantial financial assistance is allocated to heads of medical organizations, heads of surgical departments, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and resuscitation specialists who participate in surgical operations. The official framework sets the maximum monthly amount at one hundred thousand rubles for those in these front line roles, reflecting the intensity and scope of the responsibilities involved in managing complex cases and performing life saving procedures. The policy aims to recognize the professional dedication of clinicians who shoulder additional duties in service of SVO participants, while also ensuring that healthcare facilities retain skilled personnel capable of delivering high quality care in challenging conditions. The practical effect is a structured incentive that supports the retention and motivation of experienced practitioners who are central to the care pathway for injured veterans, as described in the government communications on these support measures.
In parallel with these health sector initiatives, high level directives were issued that relate to regional support for SVO participants. Former President Vladimir Putin instructed regional authorities to provide subsidies that promote gasification for veterans involved in the operation. This policy directive is part of a broader strategy to address practical needs and to improve living conditions for veterans across different regions, reflecting a holistic approach to post service welfare that goes beyond immediate medical care. By aligning energy subsidies with veterans’ needs, the government signals a commitment to durable improvements in daily life and long term resilience for those who participated in the operation, as reported in national governance updates. The measure illustrates how interconnected policy areas can be when addressing the welfare of service members and underscores the ongoing attention given to the welfare landscape surrounding SVO participants within the national framework.