Prosthetic limbs for Libya's casualties of war

As Libya celebrates the anniversary of the uprising that resulted in the ousting and death of former leader Muammer Qaddafi, fighters still battle the physical trauma their bodies have endured during the eight month conflict of last year.

Around 300 people who were disabled from the clashes are receiving ongoing treatment at the state-of-the-art Prosthetic Limb Center based in Abu Salim hospital south of Tripoli.

The center which opened in 2008 was deemed the best in Libya according to prosthetist Noor al-Deen. He is confident in saying that the center rivals similar institutions in Tunisia and possibly Europe due to the advanced methods used to create artificial limbs.

This led al-Deen to question the NTC’s decision in funding trips for the fighters to receive treatment overseas, as they could receive artificial limbs in their home country.

Abdulsalam Ali, a patient, was advised to come to the clinic by a friend after he lost both his legs from below his knees as well as a few fingers from a mortar blast.

While he praised the clinic for its support, he urged the government to give more care and attention to fighters like himself who are left with scars of the fight for freedom.