Wounded soldiers return home after rehabilitation abroad

Georgian soldiers wounded in battle have returned home with top of the line bio-electrically controlled prosthesis.

The military servicemen, who lost limbs in battle, arrived in Tbilisi earlier this morning after having treatment in the USA.

Six soldiers injured in the August War 2008 and the NATO-led ISAF mission took part in a prosthesis program at Peter Harsch Prosthetics Clinic in San Diego, California, USA.

Deputy Defence Minister Varlam Avaliani, family members and friends met the soldiers at the Tbilisi international airport.

"Our wounded military servicemen already have X3 type bio-electrically controlled prosthesis,” the Deputy Minister said.

"The project was carried out with support of the Government of Georgia and particularly, by the Prime Minister."

The second group of wounded military personnel will travel to the USA for rehabilitation on February 23.

"It’s very essential our state does its best to care for those who sacrificed their health to their homeland,” Avaliani said.

"It’s more important that those military servicemen will continue serving in the Georgian Armed Forces and share their experience with their colleagues,” Avaliani stated.

The soldiers, whose injuries forced them to have limbs amputated, were provided with bio-micro prosthesis. Now, the soldiers are able to easily move on difficult terrain aided by the advanced electric limbs.

The new prosthesis were designed to work efficiently in extreme conditions and enable the injured men to pursue a more active life.

Georgian doctor, Major Zviad Burdzga observed their rehabilitation in the USA.

A total of 19 military servicemen will undergo the prosthesis program and rehabilitation course at Peter Harsch Prosthetics Clinic.

In the first stage, eight wounded soldiers were sent to undergo the treatment course on December 27. They were selected according to the type of injuries they had sustained, the Defence Ministry said.

Currently, two soldiers remain at the clinic and are undergoing rehabilitation treatment.

Soon, the second group of wounded soldiers will travel to the USA for rehabilitation.

After returning home, all the soldiers are expected to return to their units and continue military service, the Ministry said.