Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu , [email protected]
THE National Social Security Authority (Nssa) is working on developing a prosthetic workshop in Bulawayo to cater for the growing demand for the service, which is out of reach for the needy.
In medicine, a prosthesis or a prosthetic implant is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part, which may be lost through trauma, disease or a condition present at birth (congenital disorder).
Prostheses are intended to restore the normal functions of the missing body part and amputee rehabilitation is primarily coordinated by a physiatrist as part of an interdisciplinary team comprising physiatrists, prosthetists, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists.
In an interview, Nssa acting director for occupational health and safety Dr Betty Nyereyegona said the organisation was working on ensuring the service is accessible as it is expensive.
She said those who get injured at work sometimes struggle to get prostheses due to prices hence the plan to have them produced at the Nssa rehabilitation centre in Bulawayo.
The rehabilitation centre was established in 1971 with the primary objective of providing clinical rehabilitation services to injured workers.
It also serves as a referral centre for patients from across the country and delivers high-quality and comprehensive clinical treatment, which includes therapeutic and skills training for injured workers.
“This is a relatively old unit established in 1971 but it’s a unit that brings together modalities that helps injured workers to gain some level of productivity post-injury,” said Dr Nyereyegona
“The centre has different departments. We have a clinic run by qualified doctors and nurses. We have hospital facilities where we admit the clients who need treatment within the centre.”
Dr Nyereyegona said their greatest challenge is the provision of prostheses.
“We are looking forward to establishing a comprehensive workshop. This workshop will also cater for those in need countrywide since we already have a workshop which can be used as a production site,” she said.
Dr Nyereyegona said there is a huge demand for prostheses in the country but the service is very expensive.
“We had a team from Botswana visiting our rehabilitation centre and we are hoping that as we continue learning from each other, we may then work on the prostheses project to meet the need,” she said.
Dr Nyereyegona said plans were also underway to decentralise their rehabilitation services to other provinces for easy access.
“For now we transport our members from all over Zimbabwe to Bulawayo once they get injured. The centre had a capacity for about 78 beds and our wish is to expand soon,” she said.
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