Jaffna Jaipur Centre: Two decades of selfless service

Dr. K. UMAPATHY

NOBLE SERVICE: The Jaffna Jaipur Centre for Disability Rehabilitation (JJCDR) is completing the noble 20th year of service this month amidst trials and turbulence. Those who cherish humanity and human values will no doubt be happy to know about the services performed at the JJCDR.

This is an opportunity for the entire donors to come together & cherish the fond memories. It is the spirit of unity among all well wishers, donors & tremendous sacrifices and devotion of the staff that has always contributed to make this institution a success in the history of Jaffna.

Looking back at the dawn of the Jaipur foot programme in Jaffna, Central committee of the Mother’s front has appointed a board of management on the 15th of September 1986 to form a branch of Colombo Friend-in-Need society realizing the ever increasing demand for the artificial limbs in Jaffna peninsula due to war & other reasons.

The Jaipur foot programme is concerned mainly in the rehabilitation of these people who had lost their limbs.

On the 6th of December, 1986 the inaugural meeting was held at the Y.M.C.A hall in Jaffna with attendances from Colombo head office. Two trainees both of them are disabled persons were selected for training initially at Jaffna Technical Institute & then in Colombo for six months.

On the 1st of July 1987, the workshop commenced production with a works manager. This was formally declared opened as Jaipur Foot Programme, Jaffna by Mrs. Swarna Ferdinand, Project Secretary of the Colombo Friend-in-Need society. The produce was artificial limbs on the concept of Jaipur foot limb innovated by Professor Sethi of Jaipur.

This undoubtedly is the most humanitarian project undertaken by the Colombo FINS & its Jaffna branch. But due to the war the workshop ceased to function between October 1987 and December 1987.

The entire project was initially sponsored by Mr. Hutchison from NORAD. As the time evolved with relocation, the services of the Jaipur foot programme expanded. In July 1989 the Mobility workshop initiated by Handicap International commenced production of low cost wheelchairs and tricycles.

Physiotherapy were provided in the same year. Meanwhile the orthotic devices for the disabled were also produced as another milestone. From 1993 the foot pieces were produced in Jaffna.

At the completion of 10th year of this programme 1540 limbs were fitted for the amputees of which majority were due to blast or other war related injuries.

This programme emerged in to Jaffna Jaipur Centre for Disability Rehabilitation (JJCDR) in November 2002 with full autonomous powers & expanded services.

At present with the initiative of International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) JJCDR uses polypropylene - thermo formable plastics to produce artificial limbs. The modern polypropylene limbs are produced in par with good old aluminium Jaipur foot for the amputee to choose the option.

Another mile stone is the introduction of revolving loans to the limb users for their economic rehabilitation & educational grants given monthly to school going children who are limb users.

The statistics of the JJCDR spans widely & speaks the truth silently. Up to December 2006 a total of 3958 limbs were produced and fitted which include the newest polypropylene technology.

Together 3441 mobility devices such as tricycles, wheel chairs, walkers, crutches were produced & issued to the needy. Around 946 various orthotic devices were provided which enable the disabled to be on their own & relieved the burden on the community. 11865 physiotherapy follow-up services were given.

The above facts speak themselves about the services that has restored number of youths to normality who otherwise would have been in despair for the rest of their life.

Special training of the staff and technical support was given by the expatriate consultants of the ICRC & Motivation. Also overseas training was given to some of the staff in the prosthetic, mobility & physiotherapy sections thus enhancing their knowledge & technology.

I recall with gladness my association with JJCDR & especially with the disabled who benefited from this centre. During the past four years I have seen the zealous and enthusiastic efforts of our staff & the associates in bringing the best out of everything what ever they take over.

It is a treasure to have this centre right in Jaffna to serve the needy in the peninsula and to Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu & Vavuniya as well.

The writer is Visiting Orthopaedic Surgeon, JJCDR & Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Teaching Hospital , Jaffna