Maybe it is true that few feel the loss of a limb or a leg like the person affected. Imagine having the opportunity to have artificial prosthetics replacing what you have lost, especially when all hope for this was lost. For many who have fallen into this depressing and morale-sapping situation, the SUN-TECH Prosthetics experience has been a succor for the last four years. The joy of someone hitherto tied down, but now able to do things for themselves with artificial hands or legs can only be imagined. That is the joy Sunny Ukachukwu’s prosthetics and orthotics hopes to fulfill in the lives of amputees and their loved ones.
When, in 2021, Prince Sunny Ukachukwu came up with the idea of a prosthetics and orthotics outfit, many people wondered what he saw in such a business. As a man who saw opportunities where many saw problems, what we saw was essentially an altruistic venture that would only help those who are desirous of regaining their lost limbs or other body parts. But he saw it as such a business. As a man who saw opportunities where many saw problems, what we saw was essentially an altruistic venture that would only help those who were desirous of regaining their lost limbs or other body parts. However, he had a broader vision. He conceived the organization as one that would bring smiles to the faces of those who have lost limbs or body parts, restore their hopes, and also stay afloat in the business. This is because whatever altruistic plan he had, if the business could not support itself and stay afloat, it was only a matter of time before it packed up.
Because SUN-TECH was well planned, it has survived the tests of its teething years. Though we may not be able to quantify the exact number of individuals who have had their sorrows turned around by the organization, we are aware that they are in the thousands. At the onset, Sunny Ukachukwu had told friends that the business had more of a philanthropic tinge than anything else. Time has proved this to be true.
But establishing a prosthetics shop is no mean feat. Until recently, Nigerians were used to importing various types of artificial limbs to replace those that were lost. In the process, many low-quality products found their way into the market. Because most of these items came from abroad, some were even too tight for the patients who had outgrown them by the time they were delivered in Nigeria.
As stated earlier, the entrance of SUN-TECH into the prosthetics and orthotics market has been a major blessing for Nigerians. Many now know, for instance, that what they had thought they could only get outside Nigeria is indeed available back home. For those who have the money, they have come to realize that, in the world of prosthetics, there is actually no limit to costs.
For instance, as of last year, one could get a below-the-knee prosthesis for a little less than a million Naira; meanwhile, the same below-knee prosthesis could also go for 250 million Naira, depending on your budget. Our source revealed that for above-knee prostheses, you could get something for about 5 million Naira and as much as 600 million Naira. This is because there are different categories and functions. SUN-TECH prosthetics also helps with Myoelectric hands for those who need them. A typical Myoelectric hand has 67 sensory movements. With it, you can use your phone and computer after it has been fixed. We have had instances in which someone who had it used the hand to write a letter with a pen to thank the sponsors of the special intervention.
According to a source within the organization, nothing gladdens the hearts of the workers and the management more than seeing the transformation of people who were hitherto hopeless and the smiles on their faces when they start doing things they were previously unable to do.
The fact that the organization can also update or replace prosthetics and orthoses is one reason why many who have lost limbs and other body parts seek SUN-TECH products and services.
As revealed in their website, “Once we get to know you and do a thorough assessment we work together with you to create solutions help you achieve your goals. The treatment that we provide to our patients includes continued care from the first day we meet you which, if necessary, can span a lifetime. The use of outcome measures helps us track your progress over time and helps us quantify the progress you are making”.
They also revealed that once you indicate interest a prospective client ‘will meet with an Orthotist who will perform a physical assessment and gather relative information. This information, along with a physician’s diagnosis will help us determine an appropriate treatment process. Sometimes it may be helpful to have a family member or friend with you to help in asking/answering questions. A plan will be laid out, and your limb or body segment will be cast and/or measured for your orthosis. A mold is made of your limb or segment of your body in question. Some orthotic devices can be made from tracing, a specific measuring tool, or capturing your shape with a scanner. Outcome measures will be taken at this time to provide us with a baseline of where your abilities lie at this time.
Subsequently, “your Orthosis will be assessed. This entails ensuring that it is supporting you properly, there are no areas of peak pressure and it is comfortable. Depending on the complexity of your orthosis, there may be a need to make some further adjustments and require more appointments. Most fabrication services are done on site by our highly trained technicians to ensure quality. Another set of outcome measures are taken to track your progress with the orthosis.”
As stated earlier, one of the things that make the SUN-TECH offer attractive to Nigerians who need prosthetics are follow-ups. Before now, Nigerians who needed any form of prosthetics had to go abroad and collect them after which they came back. Given the cost of travelling abroad as well as the cost of their new orthosis, they are forced to use them even when they are not comfortable with them. But the situation with SUN-TECH is quite different.
Because your limb can change rapidly over the course of a few months, and SUN-TECH may have require to adjust the prosthesis accordingly due to your change in condition; or several temporary sockets may need to be made if your limb changes drastically. This will be performed after another outcome measure testing within the trial period to measure how you are progressing with your prosthesis.
They therefore schedule the first follow-up appointment about one month after clients receive their orthosis. Should they have any issues, problems or questions, they are asked not to hesitate to call before a follow up is scheduled. This is because, ‘Often a minor adjustment can greatly improve your comfort and function of the orthosis’. At the follow-up appointment, they monitor progress and make any necessary changes. These appointments are ongoing, as they continue to provide service to our patients by checking skin, wear and tear of the orthosis and provide supplies as needed.
There is no doubt that few if any Nigerians can afford to travel abroad weekly or monthly for these forms of follow-up consultations which in many ways make the whole total package from SUN-TECH quite affordable compared to traveling abroad.
In its four years of existence, SUN-TECH has touched the lives of many, rekindled hopes and offered new lives to quite a number of Nigerians who had lost hope. It has also helped many to be able to live meaningful lives, return to relevance and even in some cases be able to earn a living despite losing limbs. For people like this, the visit to SUN-TECH was in is still a life-changing experience.
Bamidele Ogundana
