In order to benefit amputees, a prosthetic hand implantation program is going to be held by Mahavir International, Nagpur, in association with the Rotary Club of Downtown, Pune, on February 27, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MLA Hostel Civil Line, Nagpur. These mechanical artificial hands have been made in the US. These are being implanted free of charge and without any operation. These hands are suitable for those who have at least 4 inches of arm below the elbow. These hands have already been implanted in around 70,000 people in 80 countries around the world. Amputees with these hands will be able to perform all the normal day-to-day activities. Any person who wants to grab this benefit is asked to send his/her photo of the amputated hand, his/her name, and address to the Whatsapp number – 9823081548, 9822226414, 9371072475, 9325850011, and 9225244700.
It takes time for amputees to finally accept their limb loss. With a positive mindset, physical therapy, and the correct prosthetic devices, amputees can have a great improvement in their quality of life. It’s also crucial that family and friends support the patients, who may feel overwhelmed by the change.
About prosthetic limbs:
A prosthesis or prosthetic implant is an artificial tool that replaces a missing part of the body, which may be the result of an accident, disease, or birth condition. Prostheses are supposed to restore the normal functions of the missing body part.
In recent years, technical innovations have made artificial limbs much more comfortable, efficient, and realistic than earlier versions. Future innovations are likely to depend on the interface between three powerful forces – amputees’ demands, advances in surgery and engineering, and healthcare funding sufficient to continue the development and application of technological solutions.
History of Prosthesis:
The concept of prosthesis originates from the ancient ‘Near East’ around 3000 BC. The earliest evidence of prosthetics appears in ancient Egypt and Iran.
An Italian surgeon had also documented the existence of an amputee who had an arm that allowed him to remove his hat, open his purse, and sign his name. Improvements in amputation surgery and prosthetic design came at the hands of a French barber surgeon, Ambroise Pare.
At the end of World War II, the National Academy of Sciences began to promote more research and development of prosthetics. Through government funding, a research and development program was developed within the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Veterans Administration. Over the years, there have been improvements in artificial limbs. New materials, such as plastic and carbon fiber, have allowed artificial limbs to be stronger and lighter.
Many amputees have special prosthetic limbs and devices that help them play sports and do other fun things. Various designs are also found based on performance motive, cosmetics, cost, ease of use, size availability, etc.
India has more than half a million amputees. Due to economic disparities, most affordable products usually have limited functionality or are of low quality. However, as the providers in this segment increase, things might turn around.
Availability of Artificial Limbs in India:
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India deals in artificial limb manufacture through the central public limited company, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO). There are also many private limited companies that deal in this area. NGOs are the prime service providers and distributors of artificial limbs to the economically backward section of the population. Fortunately, such NGOs are spread all over the country, so people can avail themselves of their services.
Even in Assam, a lot of institutions have been involved in this field for many years. For example, in 2019, ONGC Assam distributed free robotic artificial limbs. CavinKare started its “Walk India CSR initiative” in Assam in 2020 by giving customized prosthetic limbs to amputees who needed them. In 2022, Assam Rifles conducted an artificial limb replacement camp in Mizoram’s Siaha. In the same year, IIT Guwahati researchers designed an affordable prosthetic leg specifically designed for Indian conditions. It is suitable for uneven territory and supports needs such as cross-legged sitting and deep bending.
