NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, APRIL 23
Madhuram Charitable Trust, an Ahmedabad-based NGO, has helped 85 amputees, including children, to stand on their own feet, in less than three years. The Trust not only donated prosthetic legs but also joined hands with like-minded NGOs, companies to impart them necessary skills to learn and earn for themselves and their family, a senior official of the Trust said.
According to the organisers, more than 5 lakh people in India need prosthetic and orthotic devices, and the number goes up by close to 25 to 30 thousand each year.
- More than 5 lakh people in India need prosthetic and orthotic devices, and the number goes up by close to 25 to 30 thousand each year
The trust has been providing the amputees prosthetic legs imported from Germany. The price of each prosthetic leg is in the range of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh, which are provided to beneficiaries at Zero Cost. The trust has also helped over 800 children from marginalised sections of society with several other surgeries and treatments.
Observing ‘World Limb Loss Awareness Month,’ Madhuram Charitable Trust also released a comprehensive annual report about the activities carried out by them in the previous year and the touching and inspiring stories of its work at a function at GLS Auditorium on Saturday.
The report was released in the presence of eminent dignitaries such as Pankaj Patel, Chairman, Zydus Lifesciences, Pavan Bakeri, Director, Bakeri Group, and Parag Desai, Executive Director, Wagh Bakri Tea Group, among many others dignitaries.
Congratulating Shraddha Soparkar, MCT Founder and her team for the inspirational work to ensure children with special capabilities become a part of the mainstream, Pankaj Patel, Zydus Group Chairman, said, “These efforts will enable the children to make an important contribution to society and the economy when they grow up. I assure my full support for this noble initiative. I am associated with many organisations and I am confident they can come together and work together to ensure not a single needy child in Gujarat is without prosthetic legs,”
Shraddha Soparkar, Founder and Trustee of Madhuram Charitable Trust, said, “People with amputations are forced to live a disadvantaged life for no fault of theirs. At Madhuram Charitable Trust, we endeavour to help and support as many people as possible. We are glad to have been able to make a difference in the lives of the beneficiaries. This is a topic that is very close to our heart, and our annual report is a testament to the work done towards the cause.”
“Our emphasis is on providing equitable medical access and care to people with amputations and helping them lead a healthy and comfortable life. We are committed to giving back to society and hope to continue our work for the benefit of more people and society at large,” she added.
To a query on the advantages of German prosthetic legs, Soparkar said, “They are lighter in weight, enhances better suspension and provides better grip. The locking system and mechanical joint provided allows amputee to propel easily with the initiation of the movement, and improves the gait pattern, too.”
When asked whether the Trust is working in tandem with the state as well as central governments in transforming the life of amputees to lead an independent life, Soparkar replied that “Thus far we have worked with the support from various donors and help of government functionaries wherever required. We do follow the government guidelines on right to persons with disabilities and protection to them. And we are looking forward to build partnership with government, collaborate and reach out to the needy and vulnerable.”
Roshni, one of the beneficiaries of prosthetic leg, performed a spectacular dance recital dressed in a tricolour dress and reminded the audience of ‘Mayuri’ fame Sudha Chandran, a versatile Bharat Natyam exponent.
Another beneficiary, Raja Rana, said that he had met with an accident in 2009 and got Jaipur foot fitted in the Civil Hospital. As it was hindering his easy mobility, he approached the MCT and got the German made prosthetics. Now, he is leading a healthy life and also earning well.
Anjali, 20, had lost her both legs when she was in Std 12 while crossing a railway track. With the help of the Trust, she not only got the prosthetic legs but also trained in bridal make-up. Now, she is pursuing her BCom final year as well as works part-time as make-up artist. Her ambition is to give back to the society by becoming a civil servant.
All these real life experiences teaches us that the obstacles that people living with limb loss and/or limb difference must overcome are no easy feats. As they adapt to a new way of living, amputees experience victories daily in simple areas of life. By approaching each day of life with the fundamental will power to thrive, amputees champion human strength by persisting.
Month of April is observed as Limb Loss Awareness Month. An initiative of the Amputee Coalition, it is aimed at raising awareness about amputations and empowering those affected by them to share their stories. According to World Health Organisation estimates, more than 30 million people worldwide need prosthetic and orthotic devices. Access to prosthetic care is a challenge not only in India but across the world. More than 75% of the developing countries do not have a prosthetic and orthotic training programme, often leading to poorer clinical coverage of patients.
Rehab measures taken by the Trust for the amputees
- Pre- prosthetic—increase muscle strength, restore patient locus of control, shaping, etc.
- Prosthetic prescription- team consensus on prosthetic prescription and fabrication under the guidance of rehabilitation experts
- Prosthetic training- Increase prosthetic wearing and functional utilisation
- Community integration- Resumption of roles in family and social activities, emotional stability and healthy coping strategies. Recreational activities
- Follow up- Prosthetic, medical, and functional assessment, and emotional support
- Provision of counselling services to family members/care givers at every stage
All donations to this Trust are tax exempted under Section 80G of the IT Act.
For further info to make donations, do call +91 98790 01030
Or
Send mail to info@madhuramngo.com
