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The Health Solutions Foundation, within the framework of research supported by Isar Ednannia under the project "Civil Society Sectoral Support Initiative," continues to analyze the model of veteran rehabilitation in Ukraine. As part of this research, our experts conducted a series of meetings with key stakeholders in the fields of rehabilitation, social protection, and integration of veterans into civilian life in Ukraine. These stakeholders include representatives of government authorities (Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, National Health Service of Ukraine, Ministry of Health of Ukraine), the Ukrainian Veteran Fund under the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, and various civil society organizations (Veteran Hub, Patients of Ukraine Foundation).

The purpose of these meetings was to identify the stakeholders' perspectives on the shortcomings of the current system and gather their views on building the most optimal model, including the necessary steps for its development.

Key Takeaways from the Meetings to Consider for Reforming the Ukrainian System:

1. Creation of a Unified Veteran Policy:
   A people-centered model for rehabilitation, social protection, and integration of veterans into civilian life is impossible (or significantly hindered) without forming a unified veteran policy. In the context of rehabilitation, a national strategy for the development of the rehabilitation system must also be adopted to outline a vision and priority steps for reforming this area at the state level.
2. Harmonization with the Healthcare System:
   The development of the rehabilitation system must align with the overall development of the healthcare system (as rehabilitation is a component of healthcare). Currently, the rehabilitation system faces similar challenges to the broader healthcare system, such as the coexistence of two parallel systems—departmental and civilian. While these systems interact to some extent, this interaction is often highly complicated. In the future, a decision must be made regarding the continued existence of the departmental healthcare system or its integration into the civilian system.
3. Transition to a Biopsychosocial Rehabilitation Model:
   The existing model struggles with transitioning from a historical medical approach to a biopsychosocial model of rehabilitation. Currently, Ukraine has two distinct rehabilitation tracks:
   • The track regulated by the Law on the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, which bases rehabilitation on obtaining the status of a person with a disability.
   • The track regulated by the Law on Rehabilitation in the Field of Healthcare, which bases rehabilitation on the emergence of a need rather than status.
     These parallel tracks create multiple patient pathways, complicate the system, and lead to the dispersion of state financial resources.
4. Reevaluation of Roles and Competencies:
   A focus should be placed on revising the primary roles, functions, and competencies of key stakeholders (government authorities, communities, non-governmental sectors such as businesses, etc.) involved in rehabilitation, social protection, and integration of veterans into civilian life. While many entities are currently involved, their efforts do not constitute a system in the true sense, often lacking coordination or duplicating functions.
5. Community-Level Rehabilitation:
   The Ukrainian model lacks multi-level functionality. For example, in developed countries, long-term rehabilitation services are often provided at the community level, a practice Ukraine could benefit from adopting.
6. Psychological Rehabilitation and Education Standards:
   High-quality psychological rehabilitation must play a significant role in the new model, requiring the involvement of highly qualified specialists. This, in turn, necessitates changes to educational standards and practice requirements.
7. Focus on Active Integration:
   The new model should prioritize active integration of veterans into civilian and economic life (e.g., through employment) rather than providing benefits alone.
8. Multisectoral Involvement:
   The state should not be the sole actor in the new model of rehabilitation, social protection, and integration. Civil society organizations, businesses, and local communities must play an active role.

These points highlight the need for a cohesive, collaborative, and forward-thinking approach to creating an effective system for veteran rehabilitation and integration in Ukraine.