The Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment Camp organized by the Consulate General of India, Jaffna at Divisional Hospital, Kondavil (Jaffna District) for the benefit of people from the Northern Province was jointly inaugurated today (05 September 2011) by Hon’ble G.A. Chandrasiri, Governor of Northern Province and Mr. V. Mahalingam, Consul General of India in Jaffna. The Camp will be held till 28 September, 2011.

Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), a Non-Governmental Organisation, is the world’s largest organization for the disabled, and serves the financially weak and under-privileged persons. Its main objective is to provide physical, economic and social rehabilitation of the disabled so that they regain their mobility and dignity, thereby making them normal, self-respecting and productive members of the society. The Jaipur Foot was hailed as one of the best inventions of the year 2009 by the TIME magazine.

BMVSS has more than 35 years of experience in fitting limbs. It is a secular, non-religious, non-political organization. It has helped over 1.2 million physically challenged so far. Annually about 60,000 beneficiaries get services from BMVSS. So far it has provided this humanitarian service in 20 countries and nearly 20,000 have benefitted.

India organized a similar camp on humanitarian basis in March-April 2010 at Menik Farms in Vavunia using the services of the same Organization. Artificial limbs and other devices were provided to 1400 beneficiaries which included 1087 prosthesis (limbs), 123 orthosis (calipers) and 190 crutches at that Camp.

About 500 patients have already registered for treatment at the Camp in Jaffna. Normally those who report on a day get the fitment service on the same day itself. The treatment is free of charge.   Those persons who have not yet registered and who are now desirous of availing the services at the Camp may establish contact with any one of the following offices:
1.   Regional Director of Health Services,  No. 572/3, Hospital
Road, Jaffna.
2.   Ministry of Health & Indigenous Medicine,  Northern Provincial Council,
55, Martin Road, Jaffna.
3.   Jaipur Foot Camp at Divisional Hospital, Kondavil.

Those intending to get the limb fitment service without pre-registration may report at Divisional Hospital, Kondavil at early morning hours for getting the required service on the same day. For the convenience of patients, bus services will be available from Jaffna Bus Stand to Divisional Hospital, Kondavil which is provided by the Regional Director of Health Services.