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280-gram artificial limb developed

A new artificial leg, three times lighter than the 980-gram one available so far, has been developed by a non-government organisation that distributes it free of cost to the needy disabled people in the country.

Bharat Vikas Parishad secretary-general P L Rahi said that doctors and craftsmen associated with the organisation have made a 280-gram artificial leg. This light limb is more manoeuvrable and durable and can perform all functions of a healthy limb.

Rahi said his organisation distributes around 5,000 limbs annually. The BVP plans to double the figure by the turn of the century through its centres in Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagrota in Himachal Pradesh, Guwahati and Pune.

Besides, the organisation hold camps at various places. Rahi said one such camp was held in Amritsar on September 21, where 425 people were given free limbs.

The 34-year-old organisation is run on the donations made by 25,000 families.

Rahi said most physically impaired persons -- as many as 25,000 persons lose their limbs in accidents in the country, he said -- can lead a normal life.

To highlight this fact, the organisation has launched a public awareness campaign. It also plans to introduce mobile vans in a big way all over the country. Volunteers would go to the people in these vans to fit limbs at their doorstep. One such mobile van was put into service in Delhi recently, he added.

The organisation also plans to set up its first rehabilitation centre at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, where a philanthropist had offered it a piece of land.

Inmates of the centre would be trained to become blacksmiths, plumbers and mechanics.

UNI

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