The quality of life, rehabilitation, and level of care for those with spinal cord injuries will be the main subjects of the study.
Through a contract signed on Tuesday, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF) will work together to conduct research on spinal cord injuries.
It is a component of a plan to coordinate international research supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The quality of life, rehabilitation, and level of care for those with spinal cord injuries will be the main subjects of the study.
The potential creation of a rural rehabilitation centre in Beaufort, Sabah, about two hours’ drive from the state capital, was discussed. This facility could be used to conduct rehabilitation research based on artificial intelligence (AI-assisted rehabilitation).
The collaborative agreement was signed in Notwill, Switzerland, according to a statement released by UMS on Wednesday. Vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor signed on behalf of the university, and SPF director Prof Dr. Med Gerald Stucki signed on behalf of the research institute.
Mirjam Brach, the managing director of SPF, and Prof. Dr. Rosalam Sarbatly, the deputy vice chancellor for research and innovation at UMS, were also present. Under this WHO initiative, SPF, a renowned research organisation in Europe, is in charge of coordinating the application of research on a global scale.
“Malaysia is one of the 42 countries where this study will be conducted. Dr. Fatimah Ahmedy, an associate professor in the university’s faculty of medicine and health sciences and a specialist in rehabilitation medicine, is in charge of the research at UMS. She is also working with several other medical professionals who are leaders in their fields in this nation “Dr. Kasim said.
Early in 2024, he added, SPF researchers are expected to travel to this state for research purposes. The main goal of this research is to maximise the ability of those who are paralysed and disabled to be able to return to work and lead a daily life in the community, he said in reference to the proposed rehab facility in Beaufort.
“It is very timely because it is seen in line with the research skills of UMS which focuses on the university’s contribution to the community through the village rehabilitation centre as a living lab.
“With the inspiration of UMS as an innovative community leader, I am confident that this centre can be a reference to help rural communities who suffer from physical problems and disabilities due to limb injuries to return to work,” Dr. Kasim added.
Indirectly, this could help the government in improving the national economy as well as reducing the burden of health costs, he added.
Dr. Kasim also hoped the collaboration will increase UMS visibility towards supporting international efforts in the field of spinal cord injury research.