In Tatarstan, prosthetic limbs are being tested on veterans of the Soviet Military District: "new legs" require special care.
Veterans of the Air Defense Forces in Tatarstan are undergoing their first large-scale testing of their prostheses and their skills in using them. On behalf of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, specialists are assessing the condition of the prostheses, assessing their comfort, and identifying issues faced by combat veterans who have lost limbs.
From tuning to cosmetics
"The main goal is to ensure veterans don't experience discomfort," the foundation stated. An example was the case of one veteran whose prosthetic device was improperly adjusted, making it difficult for him to stand upright—he kept falling backwards. The problem was resolved by adjusting the mechanism.
However, fitting the prostheses isn't the only challenge. According to specialists, many patients experience psychological pressure due to the devices' appearance. "People complain that people look at them askance. That's why we often work on the cosmetic shell and match the skin tone," рассказал prosthetics expert.
Quality issues
Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Tsivileva recognized, that there is currently no stable supply of high-quality prosthetics. Starting in 2024, standards will change: instead of purchasing prosthetics, the state will commission a "comprehensive service" including manufacturing, adaptation, and rehabilitation. This will lead to additional budget expenditures, especially given the mandatory replacement of prosthetics every 2-3 years.
The hidden dimensions of disability
The authorities do not disclose the exact number of SVO participants who have become disabled. However, statistics provide an indirect picture of the problem. According to the publication Verstka, in 2023, the number of Russians registered for wheelchairs and prosthetics reached an all-time high.
Social support or imitation?
The monitoring launched by the foundation is intended to improve veterans' quality of life, but questions remain. Are the measures taken sufficient to ensure full rehabilitation? And how soon will the state be able to establish a stable system of assistance for those who lost their health in combat?
Photo and video: a mural on the wall at the Tatarstan branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" foundation; "Veterans of the SVO."