Team Herald
MARGAO: Goans who have lost their limbs or suffer from other physical disabilities have been attending a unique camp in Margao; one that has given them an opportunity to live a better life with artificial limbs, like foot, hand (below elbow), crutches and callipers with latest technology, which have been given free of cost.
The Jaipur Foot camp has been organised by Kamani Foundation, Goa, in association with Shree Gajanan Maharaj Trust (GMT), Goa; Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), Kota; and Krishna Karwarkar Health Trust, Goa.
South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar, who inaugurated the camp with Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva, acknowledged that such camps are rare in Goa and encouraged social clubs to hold similar camps for the benefit of the common man. He said that service to humanity is service to God and the service of providing mobility is no short of providing service to God.
GMT president Girish Keni said this is the third camp in which experts have come to Goa and made artificial limbs in the camp itself. The previous camps were organised in 2012 and 2008 in Margao.
The artificial limbs and other items, like crutches and callipers, will be customised for each patient at the venue after the patient is examined, diagnosed and treated. Around 16 technicians and a doctor from Rajasthan and Gujarat are taking part in the camp.
“Built on a sensitive, humane and patient-first social philosophy and value system, the foremost concern is that the dignity and self-respect of patients must be maintained or enhanced at all costs,” said the organiser.
, adding, “Patients are empowered by providing them with limbs, assistance, etc, which give them mobility and also restores their economic capabilities. Further, on a selective basis, we provide vocational training to young amputees and assistance for self-employment. All these provide dignity as well.”
They elaborated that BMVSS provides artificial limbs/calipers, physical aids and appliances and assistance free of cost as most of its patients live below the poverty line; to ask them to pay would be inhumane and unethical. They added that rich patients generally give donations.
The four day Jaipur Foot camp concludes on Monday at the Karwarkar Trust hall at the MCC ground in Margao.
