Gadgets distributed to the handicapped : Jaipur

Over 200 physically handicapped persons received supportive gadgets and equipment and over 150 persons were tested and identified for surgery for treatment of polio at a mega-camp organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in collaboration with the Udaipur-based Narain Seva Sansthan at Kumher in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan earlier this week.

The mega-camp was the first of its kind held in the small town. Bharatpur MP Ratan Singh, giving away the gadgets, called upon the people to help out physically handicapped persons in order to bring them to the mainstream of society. “A large number of physically handicapped persons live a life of helplessness and penury in the remote areas with no schemes of Union or State Governments reaching them,” he said.

It was the duty of everyone to encourage the family members of physically handicapped persons to get the benefit of schemes, while philanthropists should come forward to support more people, said Mr. Singh. The mega-camp was supported by Lupin Human Welfare & Research Foundation, which has been active in Bharatpur district for the past two decades.

Lupin Foundation chief programme manager Swati Samvatsar said other assistance and training schemes were also being run for welfare of physically handicapped persons to ensure that they earn their livelihood on their own without becoming burden on their family or society. She said a mega-surgical camp would be organised shortly with the assistance of the State Government’s Mobile Surgical Unit to provide free treatment and surgery to patients.

Kumher Sub-Divisional Officer N. K. Swarnakar provided information about the ongoing special camps for giving pension to the physically handicapped persons, elderly people and widows.

Ms. Samvastar said 150 persons received tricycles, 10 walkers, 30 wheelchairs and 33 hearing aid at the camp.

Five-year-old Akash of Achalpura village was suffering from a disease which rendered him unable to walk or sit properly. His poor family is not able to get the prolonged and costly treatment for him. He was all smiles on getting a wheelchair as it would help him in making movements easily.

Similarly, Batul Devi of Dang village, Samundar Singh of Kasaut village and Neebo of Januthar village were extremely happy on getting tricycles as the disability in their legs earlier made it difficult for them to walk.

Source : The Hindu , 1st June 2013