Prosthetic lab services halted at Hulhumalé Hospital for 8 months now

The service for making artificial hands and feet (prosthetics) at the lab established in Hulhumalé Hospital has been halted.

The Prosthetic Lab, which was set up with assistance from the Government of India, was inaugurated on August 9, 2023. However, the service stopped after the key technician required to provide the service returned to their home country.

A media official from the hospital stated that the Prosthetic Technician position has been vacant, and the service has been suspended for eight months. The official added that although efforts have been made to recruit a replacement, they have faced various challenges.

Prosthetics are artificial limbs made for individuals who have deficiencies in their hands or feet.

The official clarified that while the prosthetic service is unavailable, therapy treatments are still being provided at the lab.

"The services haven't stopped entirely. Therapy services are being provided. But the main service, which is the prosthetic service, is currently unavailable," the Hulhumalé Hospital official said.

The official added that the making of artificial hands and feet must now be outsourced to other countries.

According to previous information shared by Hulhumalé Hospital, among the over 480 children under 18 who seek services from the Child Development Center, there are children who require artificial limbs and specialized boots for their disabilities.