In the heart of Tanzania lies the Mwanza Prosthetics and Orthotics Workshop (MPOW). This innovative center, established in 2017, has been pushing the boundaries of prosthetics and orthotics services, aspiring to deliver quality and affordable healthcare. Our recent visit and comprehensive assessment have provided valuable insights into MPOW’s approach, its current status, and future prospects.
What sets MPOW apart from other centers is Claude’s entrepreneurial spirit and a clear vision for his workshop. Claude nurtures the ambition of making his centre a paradigm of transformative healthcare. Interestingly, Claude criticizes the traditional NGO model of freely distributing devices. He believes in the power of business scalability, which he considers vital to the sustainability of his workshop.
When we visited the MPOW, it was evident that the facility was well-equipped, accessible, and maintained professionally. Claude has successfully created an environment where the services are tailored to meet the patient’s needs effectively and efficiently.
We noted several commendable aspects of MPOW. Claude and his team showed great commitment to capturing and utilizing data to streamline their services. Although there was no prior data capture, Claude showed great enthusiasm for our new form and fully understood the value of data-driven service improvement.
The facility was well-organized, clean, and patient-friendly. We were particularly impressed by the accessibility of the centre and Claude’s attention to detail in improving patient experience. Despite needing a few additions such as railings on the outdoor ramp, the clinic was in good order, reflecting the careful planning and thought put into its design.
MPOW’s capacity to provide prosthetics services is noteworthy. Claude has developed an efficient system for maintaining adequate stocks of prosthetic components and materials. Moreover, he demonstrated a strong sense of social responsibility by supplying materials to other clinics in Tanzania and Kenya.
