On 8 October 2012, Mrs. Busaya Mathelin, Ambassador of Thailand to Senegal, visited the Center for Rehabilitation Medicine and the Prostheses Production Center at the Military Hospital in Ouakam, which Thailand has supported since its establishment in 2011.

            During the visit, Ambassador Busaya Mathelin met with the Director of the Ouakam Military Hospital, the President and the Secretary-General of the Foundation for Disabled and Mutilated Military of Senegal. The two sides discussed about the project’s progress including the second set of the prostheses production equipment and supplies which are under way from Thailand as well as Thailand’s aim to help prostheses production in Senegal attain sustainability in the long run. The Ambassador also observed the demonstration of prostheses production by a disabled Senegalese technician.

            The Prostheses Production Center was initiated in commemoration of the 30^th anniversary of Thailand - Senegal diplomatic relations in 2010. Under the collaboration of the Royal Thai Embassy, Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), the Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H The Princess Mother and the Foundation for Disabled and Mutilated Military of Senegal, the Centre was established and commenced its operation on 14 December 2011. Thailand’s support for the Center included prostheses production technology, equipment and supplies as well as extensive training and technical support.

            More recently, the Royal Thai Embassy has provided an additional funding to improve the safety and working conditions of the Center. Measures undertaken include installing a ventilator, increasing the efficiency of the ventilation fan as well as improving the security of the Center. These measures will help to mitigate excessive heat and plastic odors during the production and allow technicians to work more efficiently in a safe environment.

            Senegal is the first country in West Africa to have received Thailand’s advanced prostheses production technology. To date, the Prostheses Production Center at the Military Hospital in Ouakam has already produced 130 prosthetic legs, which have helped to improve the living conditions of many Senegalese persons with disabilities. The Prostheses Production Center reflects the close relationship between Thailand and Senegal and demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to south-south cooperation in public health area.