MASUs, and Why They are Crucial in Conflict Zones
What are MASUs?
In conflict zones, access to healthcare is often limited, and those who have suffered limb loss face severe challenges, this is where The Mobile Amputee Socket Unit (MASU) comes in. MASU’s are a road-mobile prosthetics unit designed to deliver safe, high-quality fitting, rehabilitation, and follow-up care close to patients, while strengthening local capabilities. They are not just mobile clinics, but a tool to reach victims and patients in dangerous zones where hospitals are hard to access, so that amputees get fitted and have access to rehabilitation from any location. This innovation provides a solution to a problem that has long existed and that has affected the lives of many people. It helps bring specialized prosthetic care directly to patients while building local capacity for long-term impact.
MASU’s are Critical in Gaza
The Restoring Hope Society (RHS) launched following the start of the war in Gaza by His Majesty the Jordanian King Abdullah II in 2024, has evolved from an initiative into a registered association to restore dignity, mobility, and hope to amputees through advanced prosthetic solutions and comprehensive rehabilitation services.
Through an effective partnership between the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), the Royal Medical Services (RMS), and RHS, specialized RMS teams began operating MASUs designed and equipped in Jordan specifically for this mission. Because the environment in the Gaza Strip is unsafe for people to move around from area to area, especially for injured patients, MASUs offer the most effective solution. They provide prosthetic assessment, fitting, and follow-up services directly in areas with limited access. By bringing care to patients, they eliminate the need for travel in unsafe conditions, ensuring faster access to patients in need. Staffed by qualified teams and fully equipped for field operations, MASUs deliver reliable, high-quality care that meets rigorous standards even in emergency and crisis settings.
Technical capabilities of MASU’s
MASU units are equipped to operate continuously and sustainably, addressing the unique demands of prosthetic care, which requires ongoing patient follow-up and readiness to manage a variety of cases.
Technically, a MASU is a fully functional mobile clinic. Its interior features medical-grade vinyl flooring over a durable marine plywood base, EMT seating with headrests and foldable armrests, and additional foldable side-wall seating for staff or patients. Outdoor areas include seating for four with a table and extendable workstations, allowing treatments or fittings to be conducted outside when needed. Every detail, from LED lighting to 220-V power outlets and optional generators, ensures that the unit can function reliably in off-grid or dangerous conditions. Climate control and ventilation systems maintain a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and staff. Additionally, side-mounted awnings or tents can extend operational space for patient reception, rehabilitation exercises, or auxiliary workshops for prosthetic technicians.
The Process of Implementing MASUs
The process of creating and deploying a MASU is carefully structured into 4 stages to ensure maximum efficiency and safety. The first phase focuses on design, including engineering drawings, technical standards, and prioritization of medical requirements. Next comes the interior setup, which covers ventilation, insulation, air conditioning, energy systems, hygiene, sterilization, and comfort for both the patients and medical staff. The third phase adapts external spaces, equipping them with functional awnings for reception, rehabilitation, or supplementary workshops. Finally, the fourth phase involves rigorous testing and commissioning. All systems are verified during operation and movement to guarantee public safety and performance quality, and documentation is compiled in a detailed operations and maintenance manual for accurate reference.
Staffing and Operations
MASUs are staffed by multidisciplinary teams. A lead prosthetist or orthotist oversees clinical care and quality assurance, supported by a technician or fabricator for workshop operations and maintenance. Physiotherapists guide gait training and rehabilitation, while patient coordinators manage registration, scheduling, and electronic medical records. Drivers and logistics personnel enable outreach to communities in need. This team structure ensures that patients receive comprehensive care from initial fitting to ongoing rehabilitation while maintaining operational efficiency in fragile areas.
MASUs Fill a Gap in the Medical Sector
The importance of MASUs in conflict zones cannot be overstated. They bring care directly to patients and reduce travel burdens. In addition, they prevent delays that could worsen injuries and relieve pressure on overcrowded hospitals. Beyond immediate care, MASUs build local capacity by training staff in specialized prosthetic procedures and rehabilitation techniques, which leaves a lasting impact on Gaza’s healthcare systems even after the mobile unit has moved on.