By Abdulkareem Haruna
In the bustling city of Maiduguri, Borno state, northeastern Nigeria, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) stands as a symbol of resilience and progress. Within its walls, a new Physical Rehabilitation Center (PRC) has emerged, providing a glimmer of hope for individuals who have lost their limbs due to illness or acts of violence.
Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), this state-of-the-art facility is transforming lives and giving amputees the strength to carry on.
Established in November 2020, the PRC has swiftly become a vital part of the UMTH’s comprehensive healthcare services. Dr. Jajere, the dedicated head of the center, explains that since its inception, they have successfully treated over a thousand physiotherapy clients. The ICRC, recognizing the urgent need for such a facility, generously donated the entire rehabilitation center to UMTH, with a long-term vision of the hospital eventually taking full responsibility for its management.
During a recent walk-through of the hospital, A.M Dr. Jajere, who head the facility, expressed his gratitude for the ICRC’s support while emphasizing the center’s commitment to becoming a self-sustaining entity.
“We are immensely grateful to the ICRC for their invaluable assistance in establishing this center,” he stated. “Our goal is to build a robust facility that can serve the needs of our patients effectively and independently.”
The PRC offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at enabling patients to regain their mobility and independence. From physiotherapy to prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (supportive braces) for both lower and upper limbs, the center ensures that every patient’s unique needs are met. Additionally, the PRC provides customized wheelchair fitting, walking aids, mental health psycho-social support, and even an 18-bed dormitory accommodation for patients who require extended care.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the PRC is its ability to locally manufacture artificial limbs, thanks to the training provided to PRC staff by the ICRC.
Dr. Jajere takes great pride in this achievement, as it not only ensures a reliable supply of prosthetics but also fosters a sense of empowerment within the local community. By producing these life-changing devices in-house, the center is reducing dependency on external sources and empowering patients to reclaim their lives.
Patients testimony
Sani Suleiman and Buba Isa, two survivors who have experienced the PRC’s transformative impact firsthand, share their inspiring stories. Suleiman, a diabetic patient, lost one of his legs due to complications related to his condition. Overwhelmed with despair, he had almost given up hope until he discovered the PRC. With the help of the center’s skilled professionals and the provision of an artificial leg, Suleiman has found a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
“I was devastated when I lost my leg,” Suleiman shared. “But thanks to the PRC, I now have a chance to carry on with life. The staff here are not just healthcare providers; they are restorers of hope.”
Similarly, another lucky patient, Buba Isa’s life took an unexpected turn when his leg had to be amputated following injuries sustained during a Boko Haram attack. The PRC became his refuge, providing not only a prosthetic limb but also the necessary support and encouragement to rebuild his life.
“I thought my life was over,” Isa admitted. “But the PRC, through their excellent services and support, has given me a second chance. With my artificial leg, I can walk again, work again. I have regained my independence.”
The establishment of the PRC was primarily in response to the high incidence of physical injuries resulting from the Boko Haram insurgency. The violence has left many victims physically impaired, and the center serves as a powerful testament to resilience and recovery in the face of adversity. It stands as a beacon of hope, offering the tools and support necessary for those affected to reclaim their lives.
As UMTH prepares to assume full control of the facility, the center, with its dedicated staff and comprehensive services, continues to make a difference in the lives of many. The PRC has become a refuge for those who have lost their limbs, providing them not just with prosthetics but also a new lease on life. It serves as a compelling reminder that despair can be turned into hope, and tragedy can give way to triumph.
Looking to the future, Dr. Jajere and his team have high hopes for the PRC. “We will continue to grow, learn, and innovate,” he pledged. “Our ultimate aim is to provide the best possible care for our patients, helping them to lead fulfilling lives despite their physical challenges.”
The PRC’s success is a testament to the power of local initiative and international cooperation. Through their work, the PRC is not just changing lives – it’s also changing perceptions about what is possible for amputees in Nigeria. In the face of adversity, the UMTH’s Physical Rehabilitation Center is a beacon of hope, a testament to human resilience, and a model for other institutions to emulate.
The stories of Suleiman and Isa, and hundreds like them, are a powerful reminder that with the right support, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.
The Humanitarian Times 