After forming a partnership with Yale University last year to assist amputees with artificial limbs here, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is reporting expectations of a significant reduction in the number of people waiting for limbs thereby reducing the burden on the state.
The announcement was made last Monday night during a cocktail reception at which the two institutions gave an update on the Let Them Walk initiative launched last summer.
So far 23 patients benefited from the programme which was designed to make prosthetic legs for amputees who were not able to afford them, and provide help for them through a rehabilitation process. The prostheses were made by members from the university.
QEH chief executive officer Dexter James estimated that if the 23 patients had to pay for the treatment it would cost US$250 000 to US$300 000.
“This is a tremendous benefit to patients who have gotten below the knee amputation. But perhaps the most significant benefit of this programme is that it improves their social condition,” said James.
