Para- and quadriplegic Polynesians treated in Montpellier: the Propara and Te Tiaré rehabilitation centers in Tahiti are getting closer

Propara apportera un “appui technique” via de la télé-expertise et pourra accueillir des Polynésiens. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

The two establishments have just signed a framework agreement. The challenge: better care for brain-injured patients in Polynesia who will be able to benefit from technologies inaccessible on the archipelago: exoskeletons, balneotherapy…

"We will be able to take care of patients in a very different way" : on TNTTV News, the information channel of Tahiti and French Polynesia,  Dr Marc Dambry, doctor at the Te Tiare center in Punaauia, in French Polynesia, welcomes the’ agreement which now unites the establishment with the Propara center in Montpellier.

At 16,000 km distance from each other, the two centers work with the same patients: people with severe disabilities after an injury of the spinal cord, in rehabilitation to regain maximum autonomy and adapt to a new life following an accident.

Exoskeletons, robotic arms, balneotherapy… Propara is now opening its know-how and technical expertise to its new partner, and will be able to train Polynesian caregivers in their use, a development "crucial to ensure high-quality care practices and safe".

If necessary, the most severely disabled people, often in limbo, will be welcomed in Montpellier: "We will be able to exchange, take care of in a very different patients. Some who are not taken care of today will be able to go to mainland France to seek treatment in the interest of returning, welcomes Dr Lambry on TNTTV.

The first patients hospitalized in Propara

They will be able to benefit from reconstructive surgery and adapted care in Montpellier if the situation requires it.

"In 2022, admissions of spinal cord injured people increased by more than 30% and remain at the same proportions currently. Also, to perfect care and share the experience of a specialized reference center in mainland France for this type of pathology with the recognition of hyperspecialization in spinal cord injuries was necessary, recalls the text of the convention.

"The first patient was received at Propara at the beginning of May, a second is scheduled by the end of June", welcomes Max Hermet, president of the Montpellier mutual center, who visited Polynesia.

The partnership will finally allow the Te Tiare center to participate in clinical research projects, carried out in Montpellier.