Young Boy Takes First Steps with Free Prosthetic from CMCH

COIMBATORE: In a remarkable milestone in public healthcare, three-year-old Rishwanth from Sokkanur village in Kinathukadavu taluk has taken his first independent steps, thanks to a custom-fitted, lightweight prosthetic leg provided free of cost by the Coimbatore Government Medical College Hospital (CMCH) under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.

Born with congenital deformities in both legs, Rishwanth's right leg had to be amputated below the knee. After surgery, he was admitted to the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at CMCH, where he was given a prosthetic leg tailored to his measurements and walking needs. Rishwanth is the youngest beneficiary in Tamil Nadu to receive such advanced prosthetic support.

CMCH is also the first government medical college hospital in the state to establish an in-house prosthetic limb manufacturing unit, eliminating the need for patients to travel to Chennai or seek expensive private care. Since 2020, over 200 artificial arms and legs have been provided to differently-abled patients through this facility.

CMCH has designed prosthetic limbs for children using locally available cotton fabrics to decorate the transparent sockets (devices that join the residual limb to the prosthesis). This innovation, implemented without the use of high-cost 3D printing technology, makes the prosthetics visually appealing and child-friendly, encouraging young patients to wear them comfortably.

The artificial leg provided to Rishwanth weighs less than 500 grams and is fitted with a lightweight, state-of-the-art carbon fibre foot and ankle — another first in government hospitals. The design not only supports the child's movement but also enhances balance and comfort. Rishwanth's twin brother, Jaswanth, who was also born with leg deformities, underwent successful corrective surgery at CMCH and received walking training.

CMCH Dean Dr A Nirmala formally handed over the prosthetic limb to Rishwanth and commended the efforts of a multidisciplinary team including Orthopedics Professor Dr Vetrivel Chezhiyan, Dr Mukundan, Dr Marimuthu, Dr  Vivekanandan, Assistant Professor of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Dr Padma Rani, and prosthetic technicians Anandababu, Gokul Raj and Jagan.