1. Introduction
The Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) Department of the National Orthopaedic Hospital Dala, Kano was established in 1959 and has since been providing comprehensive physical rehabilitation services to patients across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The Department specializes in the fabrication and fitting of upper and lower limb prostheses, orthoses, braces, calipers, splints, thoracolumbar corsets, back slabs, clubfoot knee cages, extension/ortho-prostheses, and other assistive devices aimed at restoring mobility, function, and independence.
Over the decades, the Department has evolved through various technological phases, including:
Peg leg technology
Wooden leg fabrication
Jaipur limb system
Lamination technology
Polypropylene technology (introduced by the International Committee of the Red Cross – ICRC)
3D Prosthesis Technology (expected to come soon)
Currently, the Department produces modern prosthetic and orthotic devices using German, Turkish and Italian technologies, in addition to the ICRC Polypropylene Technology.
 
2. Institutional Development and Partnership with ICRC (June 2016 to December 2025)
The presence of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from 2016 to December 2023 significantly strengthened the Department’s operations. Key improvements included:
Introduction of modern polypropylene technology
Standardized patient assessment tools
Improved reporting and documentation systems
Enhanced patient referral mechanisms
Expanded access to P&O devices
Staff capacity building and technical training
Quality assurance and monitoring techniques
Establishment of a revolving fund account for sustainability
These developments enhanced service delivery, accountability, and humanitarian access for indigent amputees.
In addition, we are expecting a newly advanced 3D technology by next quarter of 2026 with Collaboration with UNIDO as pioneer 3D Prosthetics and Orthotics Fabrication which will multiply the choice for patients’ demand.
 
3. Departmental Structure and Units
The Prosthetics and Orthotics Department operate through specialized functional units:
3.1 Clinical Area
This is the first point of contact for patients.
Conducts multidisciplinary assessment according to P&O standards.
Determines patient needs and appropriate rehabilitation plans
Consult the Companies for availability of the components.
Coordinates with the hospital’s clinical teams and participates in daily ward rounds.
 
3.2 Prosthetics Unit
(Formed from the merger of Carpentry and Lamination Sections)
Responsible for fabrication of all prosthetic devices.
Headed by CPO Suleiman Isa.
 
3.3 Orthotics Unit
(Formed from the merger of Metal and Leather Sections)
Responsible for fabrication of orthotic devices.
Headed by Naziru Abdullahi Umar.
 
3.4 ICRC Polypropylene Workshop Unit
(Humanitarian Services Unit)
This unit was supported by ICRC to provide physical rehabilitation services for indigent amputees under humanitarian principles.
Services include:
Fabrication of polypropylene prostheses
Subsidized services based on screening and eligibility criteria
Monitoring, accountability, financial management, and reporting to both NOHD and partners
 
4. Departmental Functions and Objectives
The core objectives of the Department include:
Provision of comprehensive prosthetic and orthotic services
Restoration of mobility and functional independence
Participation in multidisciplinary orthopaedic care
Ensuring quality assurance in device fabrication
Expanding access to rehabilitation services for vulnerable populations
Patients access services through referrals from:
Hospital units
Public and private health facilities (PPP)
NGOs and humanitarian partners
Self-referral
The Department works closely with surgeons, physiotherapists, nurses, and other professionals to ensure integrated orthopaedic care.
 
5. Staffing and Human Resources
The Department currently has 23 staff members, comprising both clinical and non-clinical personnel, responding to increasing demand from patients nationwide.
5.1 Staff Development
3 staff members have been offered admission to study at the School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (NOHD) to strengthen technical capacity.
 




5.2 Unit Staffing Distribution
Clinical Unit:
4 Clinicians
3 Clerical Officers
A designated Clinician-in-Charge manages daily operations
Orthotics Unit:
5 Staff responsible for fabrication and fitting of orthotic devices
Prosthetics Unit:
4 Staff (2 Prosthetists & Orthotists and 2 P&O Assistants)
ICRC Humanitarian Unit:
5 Staff
2 Prosthetists & Orthotists
2 P&O Assistants
1 Focal Person (Monitoring, Accountability, Financial Management, Data Reporting)
 
6. Profile for the Head of P and O Department

 Sarafadeen Raheem: PhD, FPPC (Ortho-Manual Therapy PT), Deputy Director of Physiotherapy.
He is acertified rehabilitation expert with wealth of experience as a highly accomplished Nigerian physiotherapist with a robust career dedicated to Orthopaedic Rehabilitation for the Hospital, He earn a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (B.MR.) in Physiotherapy, Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Orthopaedics and Recreational Sports, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and Sports.