The Palestine has one of the highest per-capita needs for orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) services in the Middle East, due to a combination of conflict-related trauma, diabetes, neurological conditions, congenital disabilities, and limited healthcare resources. Rehabilitation services are delivered through a mix of government hospitals, NGO-supported centres, UN programmes, and private clinics, with strong reliance on international funding.

Demand for prosthetic and orthotic care has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, where ongoing conflict and restrictions on movement have affected both injury rates and access to rehabilitation.

Prevalence & Demand Drivers

Conflict-Related Trauma & Amputations

Armed conflict remains a major contributor to limb loss and disability.

Implications for O&P:

✔ High number of traumatic amputations
✔ Increased need for prosthetic limbs
✔ Long-term rehabilitation demand
✔ Pediatric amputee cases

Large numbers of patients require repeat prosthetic replacement, particularly children.

Diabetes

Diabetes prevalence is high across Palestine and contributes to:

✔ Diabetic foot complications
✔ Peripheral vascular disease
✔ Lower-limb amputation
✔ Need for custom footwear and orthoses

Limited early intervention services increase the risk of limb loss.

Stroke & Neurological Conditions

Stroke and neurological disorders generate demand for:

• AFOs / KAFOs
• Upper-limb orthoses
• Spinal orthoses
• Mobility aids

Access to long-term rehabilitation is uneven, especially in Gaza.

Persons with Disabilities

Disability prevalence is elevated due to:

✔ Conflict injuries
✔ Chronic disease
✔ Congenital conditions
✔ Limited access to early care

Assistive device demand continues to grow.

Palestine O&P System Snapshot

The O&P system is built around public hospitals, NGO-supported centres, UN programmes, and charitable organisations.

Government Health Services

The Palestinian Ministry of Health operates hospitals providing basic rehabilitation and orthotic services, but capacity is limited.

Public facilities often depend on external support for:

✔ Materials
✔ Components
✔ Training
✔ Equipment

UN & International Support

The O&P sector relies heavily on humanitarian organisations, including:

• International Committee of the Red Cross
• UNRWA
• Humanity & Inclusion
• Qatar Red Crescent

These organisations support:

✔ Prosthetic centres
✔ Orthotic services
✔ Training programmes
✔ Equipment supply

Regional Referral Dependence

Complex cases are sometimes referred to:

• Jordan
• Egypt
• Israel (when permitted)

Movement restrictions can delay rehabilitation.

Top Orthotic & Prosthetic Service Providers

1️⃣ Artificial Limb & Polio Center – Gaza

One of the main rehabilitation centres in Gaza providing:

✔ Prosthetic limbs
✔ Orthotic devices
✔ Physiotherapy
✔ Pediatric rehabilitation

Often supported by international donors.

2️⃣ Hamad Rehabilitation & Prosthetics Hospital – Gaza

A major modern rehabilitation facility supported by international funding.

Services include:

✔ Advanced prosthetics
✔ Orthotics
✔ Physiotherapy
✔ Neurological rehabilitation

3️⃣ Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation (BASR)

Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation

One of the leading rehabilitation centres in the West Bank.

Provides:

✔ Prosthetics & orthotics
✔ Pediatric rehabilitation
✔ Spinal injury care
✔ Multidisciplinary therapy

4️⃣ ICRC-Supported Prosthetic & Orthotic Centres

ICRC supports several workshops providing:

✔ Prosthetic limbs
✔ Orthotic devices
✔ Wheelchairs
✔ Mobility aids

These centres are critical for low-income patients.

5️⃣ UNRWA Rehabilitation Services

UNRWA supports rehabilitation for refugees through clinics in:

• Gaza
• West Bank
• Camps and community centres

Education & Training Initiatives

Formal O&P education is limited, but training programmes exist through partnerships.

University & Training Links

Rehabilitation-related education is offered at:

• Al-Quds University
• Islamic University of Gaza

Arab American University

Training areas include:

✔ Physiotherapy
✔ Rehabilitation sciences
✔ Biomedical engineering

O&P-specific training is often supported by:

• ICRC
• ISPO partners
• International NGOs
• Regional universities

Many clinicians receive training abroad.

Reimbursement & Funding Structure

1️⃣ Government Coverage

Public healthcare provides limited coverage for:

✔ Basic prostheses
✔ Orthoses
✔ Rehabilitation services

Funding constraints often limit availability.

2️⃣ NGO & Donor Funding

A large proportion of prosthetic services are funded by:

✔ International donors
✔ Charities
✔ UN programmes
✔ Gulf humanitarian projects

This is the primary funding source in Gaza.

3️⃣ Out-of-Pocket Payment

Patients sometimes pay for:

• Advanced prosthetic components
• Replacement devices
• Repairs
• Faster service

Costs can be prohibitive.

4️⃣ Humanitarian Project-Based Funding

Many prosthetic programmes operate through:

✔ Short-term projects
✔ Emergency funding
✔ Charity campaigns

This creates instability in long-term service delivery.

Key Challenges

⚠ High rate of traumatic amputations
⚠ Limited local manufacturing
⚠ Dependence on imported materials
⚠ Movement restrictions affecting care
⚠ Funding instability
⚠ Shortage of trained O&P professionals

Growth Opportunities

• Expansion of Rehabilitation Infrastructure

New centres and upgrades are being developed, particularly in Gaza.

• Pediatric Prosthetics & Orthotics

Large number of child amputees requires:

✔ Frequent refitting
✔ Long-term follow-up
✔ Advanced pediatric devices

• International Collaboration

Strong potential for partnerships with:

• NGOs
• Universities
• Regional hospitals
• Technology providers

• Digital & Low-Cost Fabrication

Interest growing in:

• 3D printing
• CAD/CAM
• Modular prosthetics
• Locally produced components

IMEA CPO Outlook

Palestine represents one of the most challenging yet important rehabilitation environments in the IMEA region. Demand for prosthetic and orthotic services is extremely high due to conflict, chronic disease, and limited early intervention. While the sector remains heavily dependent on humanitarian funding, the presence of experienced rehabilitation centres, strong international support, and growing interest in modern fabrication technologies offers opportunities to strengthen long-term mobility care systems.