By Nihal Zaroug.
Tripoli, 9 August:
In December 2010, two Libyan engineers, Khaled Al-Bargathi and Fathia Alzwai, started a research project on upper limb prosthesis in response to seeing many Libyans being effected by amputation, mainly due to health reasons, accidents or on the job incidents. Inevitably, the engineers’ novice research came to a halt with the 17 February Revolution.
After the war ended, a group of electrical and electronic engineers wanting to contribute to Libya’s post-conflict development met and discussed how they could help their country. According to Sondos Al-Athram, a member of the Electronic Prosthesis Engineering Team (EPET), it quickly became clear that because of the “remnants of the war and its negative effects on Libyan society”, the research started by Al-Bargathi and Alzwai had to be continued to aid the many amputees.
EPET was established in October 2011 and is officially registered as a non-governmental organisation with the Ministry of Culture and Civil Society. At its inception the team comprised seven members but now only four remain. The original two researchers, along with Sondos Al-Athram and Amal el Gehani, are now conducting research on upper limb prosthesis and plan on expanding their work to provide local services by opening a workshop.
The team is not financially supported by a government ministry and is actively seeking grants. However, the Benghazi Rehabilitation Centre (BRC) has provided the engineers with an office at the centre and will assist with individual prosthetic measurements and socket production. The team is self-funded and relies on private donors to continue their research.
EPET is currently working on improving its first model, a mechanical hand that can perform simple “open and close” movements and has only been tested on amputees and not fitted. The software and electronic circuit were designed and manufactured by the team but the hand itself was produced by Otto-Bock, an international company whose products aim to “help people increase and retain their physical independence”.
This is also the goal of EPET. “The team found that it is important to provide the technology of electronic prosthesis since it can play a major role in helping amputees to better perform their daily activities. Hence, a centre or unit for electronic prosthesis with the facilities of manufacturing, development and maintenance in Libya, can offer those patients significant support and be involved and act in their communities. The plan is to fit the prosthesis for free to Libyans and we can achieve this goal when we receive a grant ”, said Al-Atram.
War amputees have received treatment in a number of countries abroad including Canada, the UK and USA, but being able to provide future treatment in Libya would be of great benefit to patients, who need the emotional support of family members.
Libya has spent millions on medical treatment outside the country, often under great public scrutiny and embarrassment over bill settlement. Investing in local scientific research and better development of healthcare, can contribute to economic growth in a sector that has been neglected for decades. This neglect has caused Libyans to mistrust medical institutions and professionals, opting to seek private treatment abroad.
It will be a challenge for the new government to reinstall trust and make the healthcare system work for Libyans.
For more information see EPET. [/restrict]
