University of Sana’a Celebrates Graduation of First Batch in Prosthetics and Orthotics Program
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Sana’a celebrated this morning the graduation of the first batch in Yemen from the Prosthetics and Orthotics Bridging Program, coinciding with the observance of World Disability Day on November 5 each year, which marks the establishment of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics.
In his speech during the ceremony, the Minister of Health and Environment, Dr. Ali Abdul Karim Shiban, emphasized the importance of this celebration, noting that the occasion represents an opportunity to congratulate the graduates and highlight the significance of improving the quality of healthcare for individuals who require these devices. He affirmed the significant progress made in the field of prosthetics in recent years, which has contributed to the design of more efficient and comfortable devices.
For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Khaled Al-Khamesy referred to statistics from the World Health Organization estimating that the percentage of people with disabilities in Yemen is around 7% of the total population. He pointed out the considerable challenges faced by individuals with mobility impairments in accessing healthcare and rehabilitation services. He praised the wise decision made by the university leadership, represented by its president, Prof. Dr. Al-Qasim Muhammad Abbas, to establish the program. He mentioned that the design and description of the program’s courses, in accordance with international academic reference standards (ARS), have led to it receiving international accreditation from the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO). He also confirmed that the graduates will be awarded two certificates: one from the university and another from the accrediting society.
Additionally, he thanked the International Committee of the Red Cross for its ongoing support in providing all necessary equipment, workshops, and library development, mentioning the commencement of building an educational and service center for physical therapy and prosthetics at the college, and the collaboration between the college and the ICRC to make Yemen a regional center in this field.
The Deputy Director of the Prosthetics Center, graduate Muhammad Jiyash, also delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates, emphasizing the importance of this specialty in improving the lives of many. He regarded the graduation of this batch as a significant national achievement and a qualitative leap in the field of healthcare.
At the conclusion of the event, the graduates were honored with their diplomas, and awards and international accreditation certificates were presented to the Minister of Health, the Minister of Education and Scientific Research, and the President of the University of Sana’a, in addition to recognition awards for the academic staff.
