Dubai Healthcare City and German Limbtech Highlight Advances in Prosthetics

Wednesday, Aug 04, 2010

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of TECOM Investments, and German Limbtech, one of its first-ever tenants, today highlighted the traumatic experience of losing a limb and the support available to help people in the region recover and regain their independence.

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of TECOM Investments, and German Limbtech, one of its first-ever tenants, today highlighted the traumatic experience of losing a limb and the support available to help people in the region recover and regain their independence.

 The UAE Paralympics gold medal winner in power lifting Mohamed Khamis Al Khalafplayed a key role at the event that was organized by German Limbtech and DHCC.

 A 90-year old specialized Orthopedic Prosthetic and Orthotic Center based in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), German Limbtech is one of the biggest fabricating facilities for state-of-the-art artificial limbs and orthopedic devices for amputees and physically disabled patients in the Middle East. The centre at DHCC provides a wide range of orthopedic technology services for both adults and children, largely victims of frequent road trauma and industrial accidents.

 Andreas Buchold, Director, German Limbtech, said: “We have seen an increasing number of people requiring prosthetics as a result of diabetes which has increased at an alarming rate in the UAE over the past decade. Amputations are difficult for anyone to cope with from a physical and mental perspective. That is why we take a multi-disciplinary approach, working with doctors, psychologists and physiotherapists to ensure the best results for the patient.

 “We have a long track-record in producing tailor-made prosthetics but also other forms of support such as wheelchairs and crutches, and have a clear focus on doing all we can to understand the specific requirements of each individuals. We also work with charitable foundations such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation to provide prosthetics for children and adults affected by conflicts in areas such as Palestine.”

Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Senior Vice-President of Dubai Healthcare City, who toured the German Limbtech facility, said: “It is amazing how far we have advanced in the field of prosthetics and it is especially rewarding to know that people who would previously have travelled overseas for this sort of technical expertise are now able to access treatment closer to home. This is especially important given the mental resilience required. So to be present on familiar grounds and closer to family and friends can positively impact the recovery process.

“The work by German Limbtech reflects the DHCC’s mission to provide an integrated healthcare service by world-class providers. German Limbtech works with a number of DHCC care providers as part of the multi-disciplinary approach to deliver the best outcomes for the patient.”

During her visit, Dr. Ayesha and German Limbtech presented Mohamed Khamis Al Khalaf with special crutches for sporting activities. Al Khalaf is also an active member of the Dubai Club for Special Sports.

Al Khalaf said: “I am here today to show that not having full use of your body does not have to be an obstacle to your ambitions and dreams. Through the Dubai Club for Special Sports, I regularly see inspiring people pushing themselves to realize their potential. With today’s technological developments as demonstrated by German Limbtech, people are able to push the boundaries even further.”