Orthopedic Training Centre is 50

The Orthopedic Training Centre (OTC)-Nsawam, in the Akwapim South District of the Eastern Region, has celebrated its 50th anniversary with a call on government, donor agencies and stakeholders to improve and motivate the lives of the physically challenged to attain their full potential and contribute to the economy.

The OTC was founded in 1961 by Brother Tarcisius de Ruyter, an orthopedic shoemaker, with the main objective of offering rehabilitation to these who unfortunately fall victim to circumstances ranging from road traffic accidents, post-polio infection, occupational and sometimes domestic accidents.

More than 3,000 patients are treated on an annual basis. Last year 290 children were admitted to the centre, with 1,030 polio patients. The Centre also recorded 231 new amputees who were treated, and the causes of their amputation were buruli ulcer, diabetes, osteomyelitis, fractures, snakebites, industrial accidents, home accidents and road traffic accidents, whilst 957 amputees came for review and repair of their artificial limbs.

The Centre as part of its strategy to expand its services to other regions established Mobile Unit in 1965, providing patients an opportunity to see consultants and technicians without travelling too far from their homes. It currently has 39 stations nationwide, registering 3,113 patients and travelling 20,908 kilometers last year.

Co-Director, Elizabeth Newman, speaking at the jubilee celebration, noted that the main objective of the home is to help the children reach their highest potential.

“Even though rehabilitation is the main goal, while they are admitted we offer them opportunities to attend classes and participate in many events and outings.

“A holistic rehabilitation programme that not only teaches the children how to walk, but also offers opportunities to help them develop in the aspects of their lives.

Some of these programmes include education from Kindergarten to Junior High School, skills training for patients, hairdressing, handicrafts, introduction to computer training, as well as assisting some of the patients to establish income-generating ventures.”

She urged government to help in the area of high utility bills, and expansion of its physiotherapy room.

Mr. Herman Wittebrood, Manager, Special Projects, Air Cargo Netherlands, said the 50th Anniversary of OTC is the result of the determination, involvement and unbending belief of the founder - Father Tarcisius.

This has resulted not only in the Centre as it stands, but has also provided the motivation and confidence for others to follow his direction.

He said the importance of the ability to motivate others is so often under estimated, adding that it is only through motivating others that continuation of the OTC activities can be warranted.

Dr. Sophia Winful, Municipal Director of Health Service-Akwpim South District, speaking under the theme “Fifty Years of Assisting the Physically Challenged to Reach Their Potential” said: “The contributions of the OTC are very important, as much as any other healthcare institution in the Municipality and the Country. Vital, in the sense that this institution contributes to the rehabilitation of those who unfortunately fall victim to circumstances.

“It not only re-designs their potential to continue contributing to the economy, it also pre-empts the possibilities of removing the multiplicity of liabilities - ranging from their inability to cater for their families and themselves, to contributing to the country in sustaining and maintaining its Middle Income level status.”

Dr. Winful added: “The collaboration between OTC and the Ghana Health Service is essential and strategic in providing for the poor, underprivileged and the marginalised.

“Government and stakeholders therefore need to increase support to improve and motivate physically challenged people to attain their full potential and contribute to the economy,” she remarked.