TECHNOLOGY GENERATOR

Josephine Bundoc, MD, FPARM
Physicians for Peace Philippines

THE PROBLEM

Access to prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) devices in the Philippines, particularly in remote or underserved areas, is hindered by a shortage of fabrication facilities and high costs of services. Many persons with mobility impairments are unable to obtain timely interventions due to geographic, financial, and logistical barriers. Traditional facility-based service delivery models are not always feasible, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, which have further exacerbated delays in rehabilitation care.

THE SOLUTION

Physicians for Peace Philippines introduces P.O.W.E.R Mobile Van, a mobile biomedical device unit designed to deliver prosthetic and orthotic services directly to communities in need. This innovative service delivery model includes onsite patient assessment, device fabrication, fitting, and physical therapy support through a fully-equipped mobile van. The project also involves comparative studies to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of devices fabricated in mobile versus facility-based workshops. A key component of the project is the development of a scalable, cost-effective community-based service delivery model for primary care-level rehabilitation services.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT STATUS

The project has completed the fabrication and delivery of 50 assistive devices—25 prostheses and 25 orthoses—across both mobile and facility-based setups. It is currently in the monitoring and evaluation phase, assessing clinical outcomes and developing a cost-effectiveness report and service model framework. Patient follow-up remains a logistical challenge, prompting the use of digital communication tools and incentive schemes to encourage evaluation participation.

CURRENT NEEDS

The POWER team is seeking partnerships with local government units, rehabilitation facilities, and donor organizations to improve transportation logistics, support long-term patient monitoring, and scale up mobile service delivery across the country. Industry collaborators and research institutions are invited to co-develop service models, support outcome tracking, and engage in policy advocacy for mobile assistive technology services.

CONTACT DETAILS

Physicians for Peace Philippines
Silahis Arts and Artifacts Bldg., 744 General Luna Street, Brgy. 657 Zone 070, Intramuros, Manila 1002
Email: physiciansforpeacephl@gmail.com
Tel: (02) 8241 5009