An individual may lose a limb due to traumatic injuries, cancer or birth defects. Circulation problems from atherosclerosis or diabetes may also lead to an amputation. Regardless of the reasons, the loss of a limb can have a drastic impact on one’s life. They may be unable to carry out the most basic tasks and become highly reliant on family and friends. While prosthetics or artificial limbs are a viable option, not everyone can afford them. Several non-profit organisations help individuals who require artificial limbs.
The Impactful Role of NGOs
The demand for affordable prosthetics in the developing world is quite high. However, their supply is lacking. Good-quality prostheses are not affordable for the common man in India. To address this challenge, many NGOs have developed their own prosthetics workshops to provide amputees with customisable artificial limbs, which they would not be able to afford otherwise. For people with limb loss, the right prosthetic devices can go a long way in improving quality of life by facilitating movement and independence.
NGOs offering prosthetic and orthotic services in India have a huge role in improving the quality of life of disabled individuals belonging to impoverished communities. Their services involve the design, fabrication, and fitting of devices that either replace missing body parts or support and enhance the function of existing ones. These NGOs strive to address the medical, social, and economic challenges of people who might otherwise not have access to basic medical services and essential interventions.
Address Accessibility and Affordability Gaps
In a country like India, access to good quality prosthetics is limited due to high costs, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, as well as a lack of trained professionals. NGOs try their best to fill this gap by offering free prosthetics to amputees in poverty-stricken or marginalized communities. Many NGOs collaborate with local governments and healthcare providers to make medical, prosthetics and orthotic services widely accessible. NGOs try to remove the financial barriers associated with getting a prosthetic device, to see to it that economically disadvantaged individuals are able to benefit from such life-changing technologies.
Obtaining Artificial Limbs via NGOs
Multiple reputed NGOs in India follow a streamlined process to make free artificial limbs available for people who need them the most. The procedure followed by them typically involves four major steps:
· Assessment
The process starts with a thorough assessment of the needs of the patients, which includes the measurements and examination of the residual limb.
· Design and fabrication
A team of experienced and skilled orthotists and prosthetists design and fabricate the artificial limb with a high degree of precision. They focus on ensuring the prosthetic device matches the unique requirements of each patient perfectly.
· Fitting and alignment
The artificial limb would subsequently be fitted and aligned to guarantee optimal comfort and functionality for the patient.
· Training and follow-up
NGOs provide support to patients even after they receive the prosthetic device. They give comprehensive training to patients on using the artificial limb in an efficient manner. The patients also tend to be scheduled for follow-up appointments to address any kind of adjustments further needed.
Prosthetics or artificial limbs facilitate the restoration of mobility and independence. There are several people across the country who have lost limbs due to accidents, disease, or congenital conditions. With the help of the right prosthetic limbs, such individuals might be able to walk, work, and perform daily activities. These devices facilitate movement and functionality, and empower individuals to lead more self-reliant and productive lives. Details of NGOs offering prosthetic and orthotic services in India can be found online.
Author bio: The author is an experienced professional working in the non-profit sector for the past five years. She likes to discuss the role of non-profits and volunteerism in India in her blogs.
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