Dr. Viquar Qurashi is an orthopaedic surgeon at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, and a member of Sedgley & Wombourne Rotary.
Every year since 2005, he has visited developing countries such as Pakistan during his annual leave to help fit prosthetic limbs to people within the communities for free.
People within these countries often have very little money, and therefore would not have the opportunity to have prosthetics fitted, if it wasn’t for Dr Viquar.
The prosthetic limbs are manufactured using indigenous, low cost materials such as high density plastic drain pipes from the local area, at a fraction of the cost of prosthetic limbs produced in the UK. This allows more prosthetics to be fitted to help patients become active members in their society once again.
Every year since 2005, he has visited developing countries such as Pakistan during his annual leave to help fit prosthetic limbs to people within the communities for free."
Dr Viquar and his team are hands on when it comes to finding the materials required to make the prosthetics.
“On many occasions when the suppliers realise they are supplying the materials to me for the prosthetics, they give them for free as they understand the impact he has within their community” explained Dr Viquar.
The fitting of these prosthetics is also a simple process. In order to help as many people as possible, Dr Viquar trains locals within these areas on how to fit the prosthetics and mould them to each individual.
People within these countries often have very little money, and therefore would not have the opportunity to have prosthetics fitted, if it wasn’t for Dr Viquar.
The training not only allows the trainees to begin their own business and fit prosthetics as they have had the correct training, but it also helps the communities to become more self-reliant. more people will be able to receive affordable prosthetics.
To date he has fitted artificial limbs to over 10,000 people. This year he is partnering with the Indus Hospital to fit artificial limbs on amputees in Tharparkar. If not for his work and dedication, thousands of young people would not be able to walk and lead a relatively normal life.
When Dr Viquar visits these countries he is welcomed by the whole community. Although they have little money they make him meals and give him a roof over his head. He is their guest and they are grateful for everything he does for them.
Dr Viquar and his team are now developing with the aid of a 3D printing machine low cost upper limb amputation such as prosthetic hands which holds out great promise for the future.