TECHNOLOGY GENERATOR

Dr. Josephine Bundoc, MD, FPARM
Physicians for Peace Philippines

THE PROBLEM

In the Philippines, access to personalized prosthetic devices remains a persistent challenge. Only 21 facilities nationwide provide prosthesis fabrication, most of which are inaccessible to rural and underserved populations. While government health financing mechanisms like PhilHealth exist, logistical, geographic, and technical barriers still prevent persons with mobility impairments from obtaining the devices they need. Without timely access, individuals face significant limitations in independence, functionality, and societal participation.

THE SOLUTION

To address these challenges, this project introduces a mobile biomedical device workshop that delivers on-site prosthetic services to primary care settings. The initiative focuses on the fabrication and provision of below-elbow and above-knee prostheses, bringing specialized care to communities that lack access to traditional facility-based services. The mobile workshop is designed to provide full-service support including assessment, fitting, fabrication, and training, making assistive technology more accessible and equitable.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT STATUS

The project is currently in the implementation and evaluation stage. A randomized controlled trial is being conducted to compare clinical outcomes between prosthetic devices fabricated in the mobile workshop and those produced in conventional facilities. Patients are assessed and fitted by certified prosthetists, with follow-up evaluations conducted at three and six months post-fitting. These evaluations measure factors such as device usability, adjustment needs, and patient satisfaction using the validated Fil-OPUS tool. The results will serve as the foundation for scaling the model, guiding commercialization efforts, and informing national policy.

CURRENT NEEDS

The project team is actively seeking partnerships with local government units, rehabilitation facilities, donor organizations, and assistive technology manufacturers to expand outreach, support patient follow-ups, and sustain mobile operations. Industry collaborators and policy advocates are also invited to contribute to the refinement of service models and to help institutionalize this mobile approach with the national healthcare systems.

CONTACT DETAILS

Dr. Josephine Bundoc
Physicians for Peace Philippines
Email: physiciansforpeacephl@gmail.com
Tel: (02) 8241 5009