About 650 amputees across Fiji are expected to regain mobility and independence through a humanitarian prosthetic limb program supported by India.
The Jaipur Foot Camp, organised by the High Commission of India, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), is being held in Suva, Nadi and Labasa from October 6 to November 26.
The camp was officially inaugurated at Twomey Hospital, Tamavua, on Monday by Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, Indian High Commissioner Suneet Mehta and BMVSS president Satish Mehta.
“For each person receiving a limb, this is much more than a medical intervention,” Mr Mehta said.
“It can mean being able to walk more comfortably, return to work, move around independently, participate more fully in family and community life, and regain a sense of confidence.”
He said the program reflected the longstanding partnership between Fiji and India.
“The Jaipur Foot Camp is part of this much broader engagement.”
The latest initiative follows previous camps in 2011, when about 300 amputees received artificial limbs, and 2022, when 629 limbs were fitted across Fiji.
“The experience of that camp demonstrated the continued need for such support and during the Hon. Prime Minister’s visit to India in August last year, the two sides agreed to organise another Jaipur Foot Camp in Fiji,” he added. Three beneficiaries shared their experiences during the inauguration, highlighting the impact of limb loss on their daily lives and livelihoods.
The minister thanked the Indian Government and BMVSS for the humanitarian initiative and handed over prosthetic limbs to three recipients.
