Tasnimul Hasan Ruhi

Mossammat Beauty Begum is the founder of Easy Life for Bangladesh, which specialises in rehabilitating amputees by fitting modern prosthetics. She has completed her diploma from the Christian Medical College of Vellore, India, in orthotics and prosthetics. She specialises in multi-disciplinary prosthetics covering the upper and lower limbs. She plans to revolutionise the prosthetic industry in Bangladesh and help all amputees live healthy and normal life. Team MBR was in a conversation with Mossammat Beuaty Begum to learn about her inspirations and vision behind Easy Life for Bangladesh.

Tasnimul Hasan Ruhi: You are working on rehabilitating people with physical disabilities by providing assistive devices, artificial limbs, mobility, developmental, and rehabilitation aids. What were your motivations for getting involved in this project?

Mossammat Beauty Begum: When I was working at BRAC, one of my patients asked me to fit a prosthetic limb for him. Because he was so happy with the prosthetic attachment, he showered me with blessings. This incident inspired me to start the journey. That is when the idea struck me that I should establish a centre for disabled people that provides rehabilitation services.

Tasnimul Hasan Ruhi: You have received your training in Vellore, India, and have physicians who have completed their advanced training in this sector. Do you think the industry in Bangladesh has progressed enough compared to our neighbouring country?

 Mossammat Beauty Begum: This sector has not provided us with many opportunities for advancement, and there are numerous challenges that we must overcome. For instance, there is no sponsorship from notable businesses and organisations. In terms of academics, there has never been a diploma programme that specialises in this field. There are also complications associated with the import of raw materials, and in many circumstances, a significant amount of tax must be paid for imports.

Tasnimul Hasan Ruhi: Speaking of problems, new opportunities and innovations always help to ease the problems in the industry. Would you please share how you can implement new opportunities and innovations in the industry?

Mossammat Beauty Begum: Because our nation does not have a large pool of experts with the appropriate training in this industry. Therefore, we are taking the initiative to launch our new branches by providing training from our head office. We are also attempting to lessen our reliance on imported raw materials by employing resins that are produced locally in Bangladesh in order to provide indigent patients with access to this service at a reduced cost.

Tasnimul Hasan Ruhi: Quality control is an essential part of any product development process, as it helps ensure that the product meets or exceeds expectations and guarantees safety and reliability to the users. May we know how you ensure quality control in the prosthetics you produce?

Mossammat Beauty Begum: Because I have such compassion for these individuals who are missing limbs, we do not make any concessions when it comes to the quality control of our products or services here. We assure the quality of the devices at every stage, from deciding which device a patient needs to have moulded and delivered. We follow this process in order to ensure that the patient derives the utmost possible benefit from the use of this gadget.

Tasnimul Hasan Ruhi: To gain success in an industry, having a comprehensive understanding of the needs and capabilities of its target market is essential. Which do you believe are the most important components of success in the Bangladeshi prosthetics industry?

Mossammat Beauty Begum: The mentality to provide quality service is, in my opinion, the most significant aspect of all of them. Simply because I believe that the words of ordinary people have far less of an impact on a patient’s motivation than the words of an experienced user.

Tasnimul Hasan Ruhi: Throughout your journey, you have helped so many people come back to a normal life. Would you kindly share a story that made you proud of your work?

Mossammat Beauty Begum: In a car accident, a sixty-year-old man had to have an arm and a leg amputated. He took a prosthetic leg from me a long time ago. I have asked him several times to come and take an artificial hand. But he used to argue that he already had one hand; what would he do with the other? After a few days, he came into my office and said, “Mother, make me an artificial hand.” I asked him why he had changed his mind. He informed me, weeping, that his grandson is little, that he is afraid to come to me, but that he would come if he had both hands. I provided him with a lovely prosthetic hand, and when he got home two days later, he informed me that “My grandchild is now in my arms.” This makes me very proud.

Tasnimul Hasan Ruhi: Women generally face many challenges while starting out their businesses, some of them rooted in social stigma and others in cultural dogmatism. Would you care to share some of the challenges you faced as a woman working in this sector?

Mossammat Beauty Begum: It is true that I have been forced to put up with a lot of criticism because I am a woman. But my spouse never failed to inspire me or give me the strength I needed. I am thankful to have his help.

Tasnimul Hasan Ruhi: Many aspiring women are working tirelessly to establish their own businesses. What advice would you give to them so that they can follow in your footsteps and avoid the challenges that lie ahead of them?

Mossammat Beauty Begum: I still feel that I do not have the necessary credentials to give them advice. But I would say if you do your task with integrity and do not give up, success will find you in due time, In sha Allah.