A number of amputees have benefited from the donation of prosthetic limbs as the India-CARICOM prosthetic camp was launched in Guyana earlier today.
The artificial limb donation and fitting camp was hosted by Kalpataru Projects International Limited, in collaboration with the High Commission of India, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, and the Ministry of Health, at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre in Georgetown — in commemoration of India’s Independence Day.
Delivering remarks, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said at least 30 patients have benefited so far, with 50 more expected to benefit. He expressed hope that this will become a continuous engagement so that more patients can access prosthetic limbs.
He said he is grateful for the initiative, as many amputees in Guyana face challenges in acquiring a prosthesis.
“This really is a need because there are people who for whatever reason would have lost their limbs, but there’s no way that they would be able to raise the money to get a prosthesis,” he said.
Dr. Anthony also noted that the government has been working to keep diabetes under control, recognising it as an important step in reducing the number of future patients.
High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, said the initiative is about forging meaningful partnerships between the Indian High Commission and the region.
“I’m very happy that today we would have introduced this in Guyana. This is just the beginning. As we proceed further, I’m sure more beneficiaries will also be able to benefit from this facility in the near future. The intention is also to extend this facility to our other partner countries from the CARICOM region,” he noted.
Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services in Guyana, Dr. Ariane Mangar, said the initiative is transforming the lives of amputees, who are gaining independence, mobility, and dignity. She added that amputees from every region will benefit, improving access to free, high-quality prosthetic limbs, strengthening rehabilitation services, and building local capacity.
Additionally, she noted that the programme is sustainable, as personnel are being trained to manufacture and fit prostheses.
Deputy Programme Manager of Health Sector Development at CARICOM, Dr. Serenda Bender Pelswidks, commended all involved, noting that the initiative will significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
