Government officials visit leading mental health centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Health Viktor Liashko, Head of the Cabinet of Ministers’ Coordination Centre for Mental Health Oksana Zbitnieva, and First Lady Olena Zelenska visited MIA’s leading mental health medical centre, based at the Ministry’s territorial medical association.

Minister Ihor Klymenko, Ministry’s State Secretary Inna Yashchuk, medical staff, and representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs briefed the First Lady and visitors on the centre’s operations, infrastructure, and comprehensive approach to physical and psychological recovery, social support, and rehabilitation for defenders.

Dozens of service members are currently undergoing psychological recovery at the centre’s inpatient facility.

“This centre is developing rapidly. Service members and MIA personnel receive modern psychological and psychiatric care, supporting recovery from the toughest challenges, including injuries, concussions, or PTSD. Individualised approaches are tailored for each patient,” said Ihor Klymenko.

The centre features accessible infrastructure, including comfortable wards, modern sanitary facilities, and medical offices equipped with advanced technology for psychological and psychiatric care. Located in a large green area with a lake, the facility offers spaces for relaxation and fishing.

Ihor Klymenko outlined plans to expand the centre’s capabilities, including establishing an educational hub for psychiatric expertise to develop modern protocols and methods, as well as creating a zone with enhanced medical services, adaptive sports facilities, and a swimming pool.

“Our priority for veterans is a comprehensive approach: medical examinations and treatment, physical and psychological rehabilitation, social adaptation, and employment,” stated Ihor Klymenko.

First Lady Olena Zelenska emphasised the importance of the “peer-to-peer” principle in psychological support, where individuals with shared experiences assist and mentor each other. Defenders who have completed rehabilitation can become tutors, mentors, or mental health specialists for their comrades.

Ihor Klymenko highlighted the new MIA portal, “MIA: Your Support,” for veterans, wounded service members, those released from captivity, and their families:

“Two months after its launch, the Your Support portal has had 40,000 users. Veterans can access online consultations for rehabilitation, treatment, prosthetics, psychological support, document restoration, payments, and employment.”

During the visit, Olena Zelenska and government officials attended a pottery workshop, aiding motor skills and mental relaxation for service members, and explored the innovative “Mask” psychological technique, which helps clinicians identify unspoken psychological issues by reflecting a service member’s perceptions of themselves and the external world.

“Our strategic goal is for 90% of MIA personnel to return to service or civilian work after treatment and rehabilitation. We are achieving this,” emphasised Ihor Klymenko.

Olena Zelenska and the delegation met a severely wounded defender, Kyrylo, undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the centre. Injured during a combat mission and having undergone multiple surgeries and high-level limb amputation, Kyrylo remains optimistic: “It’s calm and comfortable here. Doctors constantly check on my health, and there’s a gym and a pond. Psychologists work with me regularly. I do yoga – initially, I didn’t think I could, but I enjoy the sessions and breathing exercises, so I attend group classes regularly.”