Prostheses for Ukraine from South Tyrol (EN)
In early November 2024, FH-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Hubert Egger was able to collect used limb prostheses in his homeland of South Tyrol at the headquarters of the regional rescue organization ‘Weißes Kreuz’ in Bozen. These prostheses had been donated by the people of South Tyrol for Ukraine after the TV news program ‘Tagesschau’ on RAI Südtirol reported on the collection initiative.
“I am very impressed by the solidarity of the people in my homeland,” says Egger. “In total, around 20 leg prostheses, including crutches, were accepted by the regional rescue organization, donated by the people of South Tyrol. I will initially take the prostheses to University of Applied Sciences of Upper Austria, where they will be sorted and prepared before being sent to Ukraine later this year. I thank the people of South Tyrol who spared no effort in bringing the limb prostheses to Bozen,” emphasizes the medical technician.
“We are very pleased with the collaboration with Hubert Egger. His dedication and immense expertise are an important contribution to supporting the people in Ukraine,” said Alexander Schmid, president of the regional rescue organization. Egger noted that it is particularly gratifying for him to be able to send prostheses from South Tyrol to Ukraine and thanked President Alexander Schmid, Director Ivo Bonamico, and Head of Communications Markus Trocker of the organization “Weißes Kreuz” for their valuable support.
Bombings, landmine explosions, and tank shells affect soldiers and civilians in Ukraine alike, often including children. Limb prostheses are urgently needed. Medical technician Egger conducts research and teaches at the Department of Medical Engineering at University of Applied Sciences of Upper Austria in the field of bionic prosthetics and launched the initiative “Help for Self-Help with Limb Prostheses” in December 2023. A significant number of used prostheses have already been sent to Ukraine through the AUVA (General Accident Insurance Institution). “Prostheses that the AUVA has once again facilitated for Ukraine this year are now being supplemented by prostheses from South Tyrol,” explains Egger, emphasizing that both institutions serve as immense role models for him. “The importance of this initiative lies not only in the practical help it provides but also in the strong message it sends: In a world that is unfortunately increasingly characterized by conflicts and challenges, we can make a significant difference in the lives of people through joint efforts and sharing resources,” Egger quotes Dr. Othmar Karas.
Left: Direktor Dr. Ivo Bonamico, Right: Prof. Hubert Egger
Photo Source: Regional Rescue Organization “Weißes Kreuz”
Links to related articles:
https://www.weisseskreuz.bz.it/de/media/news/prothesenfuerdieukraine–2-5446.html
https://fh-ooe.at/campus-linz/news/hubert-egger-zu-kooperationsgespraechen-in-lwiw-und-ternopil