Bhopal: In a significant move to enhance the lives of individuals with limb loss, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) Department of AIIMS Bhopal has started making artificial lower limb prostheses. The first batch of these prostheses was distributed to needy patients by Professor (Dr.) Ajai Singh, the Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal.
During the event, Prof. Singh emphasized his commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities, stating, “If my efforts can make a little change in their lives, it is a great achievement. I feel satisfied even if the life of a single person is changed due to my efforts.” He noted the rising incidence of limb amputation in India, with 85% of amputations affecting the lower limbs. The primary causes of these amputations include accidents, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease.
Cost-effectiveness of prostheses
Prof. Singh highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the prostheses provided by AIIMS Bhopal. While similar prostheses in the open market cost around Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, AIIMS Bhopal offers them for less than Rs 1,000. This initiative underscores the institution’s commitment to making essential medical devices accessible to all segments of society.
Dr. Vithal Prakash Puri, Associate Professor at AIIMS Bhopal, stated, “With this facility, we are trying to empower the patients being treated here.” The event saw the distribution of artificial limbs to patients, reaffirming AIIMS Bhopal’s unique position as the only government institution in Central India providing this crucial service.
The program was attended by faculty members, residents, students, and members of the patients’ families, highlighting the collaborative effort and dedication of the AIIMS Bhopal team in making this initiative a reality. This milestone marks a significant step towards improving the quality of life for individuals with limb loss and demonstrates AIIMS Bhopal’s ongoing commitment to medical excellence and social responsibility.
