AP Red Cross Launches Cheyutha Project For Free Prosthetic Hands
The initiative aims to support persons with limb disabilities by improving their mobility, independence and quality of life: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Andhra Pradesh branch, in partnership with Rotary International, has launched the Cheyutha project to provide free LN4 prosthetic hands to eligible beneficiaries across the state.
The initiative aims to support persons with limb disabilities by improving their mobility, independence and quality of life.
A poster for the awareness campaign was released on Tuesday by Surya Kumari, secretary to government, department of women development and child welfare, welfare of differently abled and senior citizens. Y.D. Rama Rao, P. Ramachandra Raju and B.V.S. Kumar were present.
The awareness material will be distributed across districts to publicise the project, eligibility criteria and schedules for screening and fitting camps planned in various parts of the state.
Explaining the objectives of the initiative, Kumar said the project seeks to assist children and adults who have lost their hands or forearms due to congenital conditions, accidents, occupational injuries, road mishaps, infections or natural disasters.
He noted that such disabilities often affect education, employment opportunities, self-confidence and overall quality of life, while access to quality prosthetic services remains limited for many economically weaker families.
The project, being implemented jointly by AP Red Cross and Rotary International with support from the Tangience Foundation, aims to identify eligible beneficiaries across Andhra Pradesh and provide high-quality LN4 prosthetic hands free of cost.
Apart from fitting prosthetic devices, the initiative also seeks to improve beneficiaries’ ability to perform daily activities independently and enhance their educational, social and livelihood opportunities.
Kumar said AP Red Cross is exploring collaboration with the department of welfare of differently abled, senior citizens and transgender persons to identify beneficiaries and organise district-level screening, fitting and training camps.
The organisation appealed to voluntary groups, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, educational institutions and district authorities to help identify eligible persons and facilitate their participation in the programme.
