Tarek Loubani
Revolutionary Medical Innovator
Date of Birth:
1981
Palestine/Canada
Place of Birth:
Why Featured?
Tarek Loubani has made significant contributions to both medicine and the Palestinian cause, especially through his innovative use of 3D printing technology to produce low-cost medical devices for Gaza, underlining his commitment to supporting the Palestinian people under dire circumstances.
Brief bio
Tarek Loubani is a Palestinian-Canadian emergency physician and humanitarian, known for his dedication to providing medical care in Gaza and for pioneering low-cost medical solutions through his Glia Project. His work, often conducted in conflict zones, combines his medical expertise with technological innovation, making life-saving tools accessible to those most in need.
Major Milestones
Contributions
Born in Kuwait (1981): Raised in Kuwait to Palestinian parents, Loubani later moved to Canada, where he pursued a career in medicine.
Founded Glia Project (2015): Established the Glia Project to develop and produce open-source, low-cost medical devices, including a 3D-printed stethoscope, specifically designed to meet the needs of resource-limited settings like Gaza.
Detained in Egypt (2013): Loubani was arrested and detained in Egypt while attempting to enter Gaza, an experience that underscored his commitment to providing medical aid despite significant personal risk.
Injured in Gaza (2018): While providing medical assistance during the Great March of Return in Gaza, Loubani was shot by an Israeli sniper, highlighting the dangers faced by medical professionals in conflict zones...See More
Bassel Khartabil Fellowship (2020): Awarded the prestigious fellowship for his ongoing contributions to open-source medical technology and his commitment to humanitarian work.
3D-Printed Stethoscope (2015): Loubani developed a 3D-printed stethoscope that costs less than $3, making it accessible to medical professionals in Gaza and other low-resource areas, where traditional stethoscopes are often unaffordable.
Glia Project (2015-Present): The Glia Project has expanded to include the development of other essential medical devices, such as tourniquets and dialysis machines, all designed with low-cost and open-source principles, directly benefiting the Palestinian healthcare system under the Israeli occupation.
Medical Aid in Gaza: Loubani has consistently provided on-the-ground medical care in Gaza, often during periods of intense conflict, demonstrating his commitment to the Palestinian cause through his actions and risking his life to save others...See More
Advocacy for Open Source Medical Devices: Through his advocacy, Loubani has challenged the traditional medical supply industry, promoting the use of open-source technology to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for marginalized communities, particularly in Palestine.
Educational Contributions: Loubani has also contributed to medical education in Gaza, training local healthcare professionals in the use of these innovative tools and techniques, thereby ensuring that the benefits of his work are sustainable and impactful in the long term.
Date of Last Update:
January 7, 2025
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