A TRAINING programme to build the capacity of technical staff of the National Orthotic & Prosthetic Appliance Workshop (NOPAW) was recently concluded at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.

The programme which commenced on 30th July and ended on 11th August, was the culmination of more than a year’s worth of meticulous planning and collaboration between the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Guyana, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, the Disability & Rehabilitation Services programme of the Ministry of Public Health, and within the recent months, US-based non-profit, ProsthetiKa.

In a release, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre said over the course of two weeks, two orthotic and prosthetic technicians, three orthotic & prosthetic trainees, in addition to13 physiotherapists & occupational therapists and 12 rehabilitation assistants were actively engaged in training designed to enhance the programmes they provide in their respective fields in order to collectively improve the service delivery for persons with disabilities.
According to the centre, whilst it is the ultimate goal to achieve this on a national level through the transference and application of skills, the programme was of immediate benefit to 25 persons with amputations who were successfully assessed, fitted with prostheses and provided with the necessary physical therapy and training to learn how to effectively utilise their new prosthetic limbs.

The training was led by Mr. Jon Batzdorff, Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist (CPO) and founder of ProsthetiKa, along with fellow colleagues Mr. Eddy Fuentes, CPO, and Ms. Laura Burgess, physiotherapist. ProsthetiKa utilises a global network of highly trained professionals to provide support for persons with disabilities in developing countries. On completing the programme, the team of specialists made several recommendations for devising a strategy/roadmap for long-term support for prosthetic, as well as orthotic service delivery in Guyana through future training interventions.

Established in May 1994, the NOPAW is the sole facility in Guyana capable of manufacturing prosthetic limbs for persons with amputations, and orthotic devices including braces and splints for persons with orthopaedic conditions. However, the workshop has since faced significant challenges in the utilisation of current equipment and technology in O&P production. The challenges were mainly due to the limited opportunities for the training and professional advancement of new and existing orthotic and prosthetic technicians in Guyana. Hence the introduction of new techniques and skills as well as upgrading the facility’s equipment was recognised as critical in effectively meeting the needs of patients.

Remarks on the necessity and continued support for such programmes were delivered by the Hon. Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health, and Dr. William Adu-Krow, Country Representative of PAHO/WHO during the programme’s formal closing exercise on 10th August, 2018.