New medical centre opens

Otto managing director Praveen Chancharoen said the parent company had invested Bt10 million to set up the centre to provide a range of services for its customers in the region.

Split into three sections, the centres helps customers and patients to understand the use of its equipment.

Forming the three compartments are a physical assessment section; a designing and moulding section; and a fitting room.

To seek service, customers start at the personal assessment section where their needs and expectations are evaluated.

They will then sit for a personal chat and take an in-depth examination.

A discussion of different treatment options and recommended medical devices follows.

Once the client decides on the equipment, the centre will make a model to suit the patient. This may be done using plaster cast or special digitising techniques. During trial fitting, checks and adjustments are made for optimal use and comfort.

" We will explain in detail the use and maintenance of the devices," he said.

Otto Bock has offices in 36 countries worldwide. It expects its Bangkok office to generate Bt100 million from the sales of its products to hospital as patients. Products include prostheses, electronic wheelchairs, rehabilitation aids and neuro-stimulation.

This year the company expects 25 per cent of its turnover to come from Southeast Asia.

Otto obtains 40 per cent of its revenues from individual patients and 40 per cent from exports.

"We think Southeast Asian societies have a positive attitude towards disabled people. The perception and awareness have changed in a positive way when compared with the past," he said.