Assistive Devices

Several assistive devices, such as tricycles operated by hand, for patients who cannot walk, hospital equipment, special kind of footwear made from recycled tyres without any nails or sharp objects for leprosy patients, wheel chairs, and artificial limbs, are also designed and manufactured in Anandwan. They are distributed amongst the residents, free of cost. The surplus is sold outside, in the surrounding area. Almost 200 tricycles are manufactured annually.

1. Special Foot Wear Unit

   The Sita Ratan Hospital also has a special foot wear unit. Here nail-free, soft foot wear is prepared. These special shoes are made from soft Micro Cellular Rubber (MCR) sourced from Chennai and Kolkata. MCR is made from rejected airplane tires. The material ensures that there are no injuries on the under feet of leprosy patients due to friction. The shoes prepared here are distributed among Leprosy and Arthritis patients and Diabetics, free of cost. The unit also supplies operation theatre slippers to renowned hospitals in nearby towns.
   
   The foot wear is also available in customized design for use by normal people. Scores of visitors including government officials, ministers and film stars procure these comfortable sandals from Anandwan. The sale contributes immensely to the Anandwan Economy.

2. Navachaitanya Artificial Limb Fitting Center, Anandwan

   MSS believes that rehabilitation of Persons With Disabilities would not be complete without an Artificial Limb and Caliper Fitting Center. As a result of the intense efforts of Penny Penton, Kate Beresford, and Meryl Glover, physiotherapists from UK, the seed for Navchaitanya Artificial Limb and Caliper Fitting Centre was sown in February 2007.
   
   This Center is the first of its kind in central India by an NGO. The unit is well equipped with Ottobock healthcare India’s tools and machineries. Under its aegis, not only hi-tech but also conventional limbs and calipers are being fitted keeping the demographical requirements in mind.
   
   These hi–tech limbs and light weight calipers have become a boon not only for the inmates of Anandwan but also for the people all over Central India.

Success Stories

1. Guddu Botlavar

   Guddu is a bilateral amputee. He lost both of his limbs in an accident in August 2001. After that he was bed-ridden for 2 yrs, and had lost hope for life. He came to Anandwan, 3 yrs back and began singing in SWARANDANWAN. For the past 5 yrs he never wore any kind of limbs.
   
   Now he has been fitted with state of art limbs with components from Ottobock Healthcare India. Thus he has finally got a fresh lease of life. His confidence has boosted as never was, and he sings with a new vigour.

2. Leela Jeevtode

   A below knee amputee, her limb was lost due to ulcers caused by leprosy. She lost her limb in December 2006. After that she was in severe depression and undergoing medical treatment for it.
   
   After fitment of the limb she has gone back to Somnath project and has come out of depression. She has re-joined her duties as a helper in the kitchen.

3. Donu Choudhary

   He is a very senior resident of Anandwan. He looks after the dogs. He had lost his limb due to leprosy in 1992. He was wearing a conventional limb since then.
   
   Now he has been fitted with a hi-tech limb. He is very happy with the new limb as it is lighter in weight. Now he can do his tedious work with more ease.

4. Mangesh Bhandekar

   Mangesh's right limb is affected by polio. He has now been fitted with a light weight caliper. After being fitted with this caliper he decided that he wanted to help others like him in a different way. So now he has joined our artificial limb centre, and helps as an assistant.