In 1971, as a pivotal moment in the history of rehabilitation in Iran, the esteemed engineer Mostafa Mirzaei, along with a friend, joined the Rehabilitation Association. At that time, the shadow of poliomyelitis, a severe viral disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes the central nervous system, loomed heavily over Iranian society. This created an urgent need for the design and production of orthopedic shoes and braces for children afflicted by this disease. The Rehabilitation Association was established with the goal of improving the living conditions for these individuals during those critical days.
To enhance the necessary technical knowledge, Mr. Mirzaei and several talented staff members from the association were sent to the Technical Center of the Red Crescent, which was then known as Shir-o-Khorshid. This team underwent specialized training for two years under the guidance of international experts, including Mr. Willy from the United Nations, Engineer Avanessian, Engineer Tafreshi, and Dr. Firoozat. During that time, the field of orthotics was not yet recognized as an academic discipline, posing a significant challenge for the team.
Upon completing their training, this specialized staff began working as brace technicians at Shafa Hospital, continuously producing orthopedic shoes and braces until the Islamic Revolution. With the onset of the revolution, the necessity for domestic production of components under Mr. Mirzaei's leadership emerged. They were determined to take on the responsibility of producing all necessary components themselves, marking the first spark of what would become Tavan Ortho in Mr. Mirzaei's mind.
The establishment of the Tavan Ortho production line led to a revolution in the manufacturing of components for diseases such as poliomyelitis in our beloved homeland. This initiative not only provided Tavan Ortho the opportunity to familiarize itself with more components but also enabled it to become the first company in Iran to manufacture orthotic and prosthetic joints. Thus, the tireless efforts of Engineer Mirzaei and his team were not only a testament to the scientific and industrial advancement of the country but also a reminder of true human commitment and dedication to serving needy compatriots.