Belgium will accommodate 60 Ukrainian patients

Belgium is providing sixty places in specialised hospitals for Ukrainian rehabilitation patients.

"The rehabilitation sector and sciences have an excellent reputation and a huge amount of expertise in our country. Ukraine therefore asked us if we could possibly accommodate patients. It seems natural that our country would do what it can to help," says Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. "We have tremendous solidarity with our healthcare system and we will be ready to receive patients from Ukraine."

It concerns ten places for people with a serious spinal cord injury, for which treatment is available in some specialised centres. In addition, the government provides fifty places for patients with traumatic head injuries and various traumas, such as limb amputations. Most rehabilitation centres offer this care. Moreover, these are often more stable patients and rehabilitation can also be done on an outpatient basis, Vandenbroucke's cabinet explains.

Earlier this month, the federal government received a request from Ukraine to help with the specialised reception and care of injured Ukrainians in need of rehabilitation. The Federal Public Health Service then discussed the possibilities with Vandenbroucke's cabinet and a Ukrainian delegation. The offer is now being further examined with Ukraine. The transfer of patients will also be discussed with State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Sammy Mahdi and the federal states.

(HC)

© BELGA PHOTO International Committee of Red Cross Rehabilitation Centre checks a man walking with his new prosthetic leg in Kabul.