Sana'a: The General Authority for Science, Research, Technology, and Innovation has successfully localized the production of an artificial knee, which was recently delivered to the Prosthetics Center affiliated with the Ministry of Health for testing and feedback.
According to Yemen News Agency, this initiative involves the design and manufacturing of an advanced artificial knee prototype using reverse engineering based on a German model.
Dr. Abdulaziz al-Houri, the Vice Chairman of the Authority, explained that after incorporating the feedback from the Prosthetics Center, the product will be modified as needed. The mass production of the artificial knee is set to follow, in line with a specific mechanism developed collaboratively with the Center. This effort aims to reduce the cost of the artificial knee, which currently stands at approximately $700, thus serving the community by making it more affordable.
Dr. Al-Houri emphasized that this project marks a significant step towards self-sufficiency in the prosthetic limb sector. The localization and production of the artificial knee are expected to positively impact the manufacturing of other prosthetic products. The Authority plans to extend its efforts to the production of plates used in upper and lower prosthetic limbs, which are traditionally imported at high costs.
He further stated that achieving local manufacturing capabilities for these complex technologies will simplify the production of other prosthetic products. The localization of the prosthetic limb industry is set to positively influence the national economy by lowering the import bill significantly.
Dr. Al-Houri highlighted the Authority's dedication to addressing the gap between current needs and the capabilities of research and education. By adopting the latest models of prosthetic technology, specifically the advanced German model, the Authority aims to advance the field of prosthetic limb manufacturing.
The project was initiated following communications from organizations such as the Wounded Foundation, the Limb Center, and the Disabled Fund, which reported difficulties in sourcing affordable prosthetic products. These challenges prompted the Authority to conduct a study to align with advanced prosthetic technologies and address the needs of the disabled community in Yemen.
The study focused on identifying prosthetic limbs that could be manufactured locally, incorporating advanced technologies to assist thousands of disabled individuals. The Authority also assessed the current situation, pinpointing technical gaps, and utilized reverse engineering in the design and manufacturing process.