MORE than 650 people in Fiji who have lost limbs are expected to regain their mobility through an India-funded artificial limb program scheduled to begin in October.
India’s High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta said the Jaipur Foot Camp would provide artificial limbs to people who had been waiting for assistance following amputations over the past year.
He confirmed the camp would be conducted over two months in Suva, Nadi and Labasa, with between 15 and 20 people fitted with artificial limbs each day.
Mr Mehta said recipients would have their mobility restored within hours of arriving at the camp.
“It’s going to be a joyous feeling for the people who have lost their mobility.
“When they come in the morning, by the evening they will have their restored mobility.”
He said the program was another example of India’s support for Fiji’s healthcare sector.
Mr Mehta said the shipment of materials needed for the program was already on its way to Fiji.
“It should land and then get cleared, and then we should start the first week of October.”
He said the initiative would run throughout October and November in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Health to ensure those waiting for artificial limbs received assistance.
