Project Overview

The Artificial Limbs and Polio centre is the only place in Gaza Strip where physically disabled people can get artificial limbs fitted and be trained to walk in them. The centre was established in 1976 and its equipment is old, while demand is always increasing.
By modernising the centre and providing training for the staff, IR will enable it to provide a more effective service to disabled people in Gaza.

Problem / Project Background

The centre serves 3,500 people, but the number of disabled people in the Palestinian territories is increasing and the centre is struggling to keep up with the increased demand.

In addition, the machines at the centre are very old and many of the technicians have not received training in modern methods.

Many disabled people are forced to travel abroad to seek treatment. This is very expensive and they often cannot afford the costs of learning how to walk in the prosthetic limb which is very important to prolong the lifetime of the device.

Modernising the centre will increase its capacity and effectiveness and will have a positive effect on health care in the Palestinian territories.

Project Activities

Technicians are sent abroad to receive comprehensive training on the optimum methods of measuring and fitting prosthetic limbs so that they are as comfortable as possible.

A physiotherapist has been recruited to help the patients walk with their artificial limbs. This is one of the most important aspects of the treatment in terms of patient safety and comfort.

The existing machinery has been serviced and new machines have been purchased.

IR has secured a direct contract with one of the leading manufacturers of prosthetic limbs which has cut costs and reduced the time it takes to get a prosthetic limb for each patient.

Training courses in modern methods of administration and management have taken place to increase efficiency.

Computer databases have been developed to store patient information and to hold stock listings of the items needed for the centre.

New furniture and fittings have been installed in the centre

Project Objectives

1. Improving access to modern treatment modern methods for the physically disabled in Gaza
2. Increasing the capacity of the Artificial Limbs and Polio Centre in Gaza by modernising its administration and equipment, and establishing a stable supply of equipment.
3. Providing physiotherapy for the physically disabled learning to use artificial limbs

Project Goal

This project modernises a centre that helps the physically disabled, especially amputees, and sufferers of polio, flatfoot, hip and shoulder dislocation, spinal disorders and lower or upper limb deformities.

Beneficiaries

3,500 physically disabled people in Gaza