Walking again, the Jaipur way

BANGALORE: Madhusudhan is a 16-year-old boy pursuing his passion in graphic designing at Association of People with Disability (APD). He travelled from Lingarajapuram to the Jaipur foot camp held at Infantry road to get a new pair of limbs. He had lost his legs in a train accident (Yeshwantpur-Guntur) in 2009. However,  to his disappointment, he had to return home empty-legged as the registrations had exceeded the limit on Thursday.Today, science has defeated most forms of deformity and Jaipur Limb is considered the most accessible invention in the field of prosthetics.  Hence, the camp attracted large crowds from different parts of the state. On the first day, the registrations surpassed 450. First, the patient needs to collect a token, then he or she is pushed to the registration counter, finally his measurement is taken. If any correction is required, the patient is referred to the doctors present in the camp.  Dr Sagar from Ramaiah Hospital said, “If the patient is found to have a muscular tear,  foot deformities or in need of any corrective surgeries, then we take care of it.”Explaining the crowds,  Dr Bharat from Sparsh Hospital said, “The best part of Jaipur foot camp is that it is feasible. We refer many of our amputee-patients to the camp. If the stump is fit and ready to take the burden of an artificial limb, we allow them to go for it. In most  cases,  the foot can be attached only after six months from the amputation. As far as the quality is concern, the limbs are made of wood and hard rubber making it flexible. It is hollow inside so carrying the weight is not an issue.”Unfortunately, many were in discomfort of another kind — no proper organisation. “We have come from Lingarajapuram. Coming here again is a struggle. If they could have arranged a place to stay here it would have helped many of us.  Nevertheless, we will come again after the registration is completed,” said Madhusudan. Voicing a similar opinion Shivrai M Devar said, “I want a cradle.  We had called before coming and they could have given us the correction information regarding registrations.”A wheelchair tennis champion, he  hopes to lead a normal life after getting his new pair of limbs. “I want to walk on my own as soon as possible,” he said.Vijay Kumar, a member of the Rotary Club said, “Since it was the first day, such incidents are bound to occur. They can send somebody to collect the token and get registered.  On Monday, we will call them for measurement and provide them with whatever they require. We will serve everyone and will not let go anyone go disappointed from the camp.”The Jaipur Foot Camp is providing artificial limbs, calipers, other aids and appliances.  Chief Minister D V  Sandananda Gowda inaugurated the camp on January 5 and the camp will be on till January 11.