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Jammu: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), Jaipur ó a leading organisation known for providing artificial limbs and assistive devices free of cost.
The collaboration aims to establish a permanent Jaipur Foot Centre at AIIMS Jammu to serve persons with locomotor disabilities, particularly from the Jammu region.
Devendra Raj Mehta, founder and chief patron of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) and a Padma Bhushan awardee, conceptualised and established BMVSS in 1975.
Under his leadership, it became the worldís largest provider of free prosthetic limbs, including the iconic ëJaipur Foot.í His global humanitarian efforts have also benefited differently-abled individuals in 44 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
BMVSS is known for the Jaipur Foot ó an affordable and highly functional artificial limb that has transformed the lives of over 2.4 million individuals across India and several other countries since 1975. These aids are provided completely free of cost, empowering persons with disabilities to regain mobility, independence and dignity.
ìThe proposed Jaipur Foot Centre at AIIMS Jammu will function as a specialized facility where artificial limbs and orthotic aids, like callipers and mechanical hands, will be manufactured and fitted on site,î the spokesperson said.
Using time-tested designs and innovative technology, the centre, as per the spokesperson, will provide same-day or quick-turnaround fittings, especially for lower limb prosthetics. Its services will be given entirely free of charge to beneficiaries.
ìThe centre will particularly benefit individuals in the Jammu region, where access to high-quality prosthetic care is limited. As per Census 2011, over 58,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir were reported with movement disabilities ó a number likely to have increased since,î the spokesperson said.
Under the MoU, AIIMS Jammu will provide space that is easily accessible to persons with disabilities along with essential facilities and medical support. BMVSS will install the necessary equipment, materials and trained technicians to operate the centre, provide all materials and manage its day-to-day functioning.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Shakti Kumar Gupta emphasized, ìAt AIIMS Jammu, we are committed to providing inclusive and equitable healthcare services to all. This partnership with BMVSS will fill a crucial gap in assistive care in the Jammu region and ensure that no Divyang is left behind due to lack of access or affordability. This Jaipur Foot Centre will be a symbol of dignity, mobility and hope.î
Ambassador Satish Mehta expressed appreciation for the collaboration and reaffirmed BMVSSís commitment to delivering rehabilitation support free of cost.
The centre is expected to become operational shortly after the completion of formalities, adding a new dimension to AIIMS Jammuís mission of providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare.
ìThe MoU was signed today in the presence of Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and Chief executive Officer (CEO), AIIMS Jammu; Ambassador Satish Mehta, president, BMVSS and other senior officials and faculty members from both institutions,î an AIIMS Jammu spokesperson said.
