Dubai: Jordanian teenager, Suha Bashayreh, who suffered limb amputations in both legs walks once again after receiving prosthetic rehabilitation at Dubai Healthcare city.
Suha, who lost her limbs in a traffic accident in June of 2007, is viewed as a medical tourism story for Dubai Healthcare City. Her case was handled by an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals and was supported by donors at various intervals over the past six years. She first visited German Limbtech Orthopedic Technology Centre in May 2009 for prosthetic rehabilitation and has been returning ever since.
Suha was then accompanied by her father, Yousuf Bashayreh, in April this year to conclude her three-week rehabilitation programme. The programme included new sockets and liner for the prostheses, physical therapy and walking and balance training.
“Suha’s case reminds us of the importance of sub-specialties like prosthetic rehabilitation and its life changing impact. The availability of cutting edge medical devices is integral to improving a patient’s quality of life,” said Dr Fatma Al Sharaf, Senior Manager- Strategy and Partner Development of Dubai Healthcare City.
Suha’s father expressed his grief at the time of the incident explaining that his little girl was only 10 when she lost both of her legs. A man with a modest income, limited access to medical expertise and a family of nine children caused him to feel helpless. However, 7EmiratesRun team, which raises funds to get children back on their feet, in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation gave him hope once again. “She couldn’t walk, I was worried about her future, her plans to become a doctor. It pained me to see her grow out of her artificial legs and forced to walk on her stumps,” said Bashayreh.
Suha’s case illustrates the need for regular replacement of prostheses as children grow. A prosthetic leg by itself can cost Dh80,000 or more depending on its type. It is also estimated that in the age group of 12-21 a new prosthesis is required every three to four years along with training patients to learn necessary skills to attain the highest functional level possible.
“Check-ups should be done after six to eight months because children like Suha are in a very high mobility class, and experience difficulty as they grow,” said Wendelin Lauxen, Managing Director and Director of Patient Care at German Limbtech Orthopedic Technology Centre, and founder of ultra marathon 7EmiratesRun.
