Governor João Azevêdo inaugurated, this Tuesday (11), at the Integrated Support Center for People with Disabilities (Funad), in João Pessoa, the first orthopedic workshop in Paraíba, called Leila Denise Moura Maia Rabelo, which will produce free orthoses and prostheses to meet the demand of many people in Paraíba who need these types of devices for mobility and functionality in daily tasks. The construction of the building and the acquisition of equipment represent investments totaling more than R$ 1.5 million.

The orthopedic workshop will have the capacity to provide 500 orthoses, prostheses and mobility aids (OPMs) per month, and is expected to serve approximately 1,000 people per month, when fully operational. The unit will have professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and orthotists and prosthetists, among other professionals, to carry out the dispensing, preparation, fitting and maintenance of OPMs.

In space, ankle-foot orthoses, transtibial prostheses, transfemoral prostheses, orthopedic insoles, vests, Canadian crutches, axillary crutches, canes, wheelchair adaptations (seats and backrests) and orthotics low temperature for the upper limb, among others, will be manufactured. .

On the occasion, Governor João Azevêdo highlighted the social scope of the orthopedic workshop, which will provide modern equipment to those who need assistance in public service. “This is yet another action that represents inclusion and will make a difference in the lives of many people as this space will offer a specialist service and also prepare a skilled workforce, using state-of-the-art technology, with the 3D printing, promoting quality of life and bringing public policy to those who need it most,” he said.

He also highlighted advances in the state health network with programs that have saved lives in Paraíba. “In one month, Coração Paraibano has already carried out 268 emergencies and 450 appointments. This year alone, Opera Paraíba has already performed more than 7,700 elective surgeries, our programs serve as a model for other states because here the SUS really works,” he added.

The Secretary of State for Health, Jhony Bezerra, underlined the importance of investing in serving the disabled population. “It is equipment that produces technology, science and will be the first orthopedic workshop in Brazil to use 3D printing and, soon, we will deliver the Sousa orthopedic workshop, another milestone in the regionalization of health,” he said.

At this first moment, Funad will promote the training course for professionals in partnership with the School of Public Health of Paraíba (ESP) and the Center for Strategic Technology in Health (Nutes) of the State University of Paraíba (UEPB) . The place has rooms for vest and prosthetic casting, upholstery/sewing, casting, fittings, gait training, modeling and tailoring, occupational therapy, and office.

The President of Funad, Simone Jordão, highlighted the government’s integrated work to guarantee access and public policies to those who need attention the most. “I am convinced that we will be a model in terms of orthotics and prosthetics policy in Brazil. This equipment will work gradually to guarantee the autonomy of people with disabilities and here we will work with efficiency, innovation and know-how. I take this opportunity to also thank the governor for authorizing the renovation works of Funad, an investment of more than 4 million reais,” he stressed.

Funad patient Jaime Azevedo celebrated the opening of the orthopedic workshop. “I thank the governor for the sensitivity that translates into the dignity of people with disabilities. The factory was a dream before and today it is a reality and it will give me freedom and autonomy because soon I will be walking on my own, changing my life and that of many people,” he commented.

State Deputy Felipe Leitão, author of the proposal that names the orthopedic workshop of João Pessoa Leila Denise Moura Maia Rabelo, praised the government’s action. “This is an important step for the leadership and for the state and represents another public policy of a government that has the heart and the sensitivity to work for those who need it most in Paraíba”, said he noted.

Lieutenant Governor Lucas Ribeiro; state deputies João Gonçalves and Eduardo Carneiro; acting mayor and mayor of João Pessoa, Dinho Dowsley; councilors Zezinho do Botafogo and Marmuthe Cavalcanti; and state management assistants, such as Pollyanna Dutra (human development); Nonato Bandeira (Corporate Communication); and Simone Guimarães (superintendent of Suplan) were present at the ceremony.