Over the next month, hundreds of citizens in need of artificial limbs will receive them free of charge, transforming their lives in the process.
This comes as the Government, in collaboration with the High Commission of India to Trinidad and Tobago, launched the Artificial Limb Fitment Camp on Friday.
Speaking at the inauguration at the Diplomatic Centre, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said this was a promise made during the visit of India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in July.
“Just three months later, that promise has taken root in Trinidad and Tobago or maybe I say it has taken foot in Trinidad and Tobago. With containers of lightweight limbs shipped from Jaipur, guided by His Excellency, Dr. Rajpurohit, the High Commissioner of India, partnered with several volunteer groups, our Ministries of Social Development, Ministry of Health, and the renowned Jaipur Foot Organisation, make Prime Minister Modi’s vision a reality. Over the next 50 days, hundreds of our citizens will be measured, fitted, and guided to walk again, at no cost to them or to their families.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar also announced that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in collaboration with the Jaipur Foot Organisation in India, will establish an Artificial Limb Centre in T&T.
“Dr. Mehta, we will soon have a permanent Jaipur Foot Camp in Trinidad and Tobago. Is that correct? That’s a special announcement.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said the Centre will be mostly funded by the organisation.
“Guess what? They have donated the machinery. Thank them. Donated the machinery. I am told it will cost about 100,000 US dollars for this camp, permanent camp, to be set up. And the better news is this: they have pledged US$75,000 for this project in grant funding.”
High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Pradeep Rajpurohit, said training will also be given to personnel to effectively run the centre.
“We also have a plan to train people of Trinidad and Tobago, technicians, to sending them to India and have their proper training, and bringing them, some of the trainers to Trinidad and Tobago.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said the Artificial Limb Centre will benefit the amputees of Trinidad and Tobago and neighbouring CARICOM countries.