Chennai: Mukti Provides Prosthetic Aids

Mukti, a voluntary organization in Chennai, manufactures prosthetic devices made of high-density polyethylene like artificial limbs, callipers, spinal braces, splints (for children with cerebral palsy) at their unit at Station Road, Meenambakkam. And it's all done at absolutely no charge for a patient.

Twenty-eight people, who are physically and mentally challenged, work here making braces, limbs, callipers, leather straps. Many of the drilling, cutting and filing machines Mukti uses are imported. The know-how for making these prosthetic devices was obtained through collaborations with premier institutes like IIT.

More than 80,000 people, in India and around the world, with restrictive physical handicaps have received prosthetic devices. What makes Mukti's artificial legs, callipers and braces unlike the bulky and unwieldy designs prescribed in Government hospitals is their lightness, flexibility and sturdiness. The organisation has been steadily lending a helping hand and giving a leg up to the hundreds of amputees, polio, leprosy and accident victims, who find their way to Meenambakkam.

There's no yawning or uncertain wait typical of hospitals. People are attended to the very same day by Mukti's friendly and cheerful staff. This voluntary organisation has thought of everything. In the premises is a canteen where lunch is served at noon to patients and their attendants free of cost; there's a swing to entertain small children and a small garden for patients to walk around and relax. Mukti is opening a wing in Pondicherry too.

For further information contact 2346973/8261113

Source: Mukti moves thousands towards mobility with prosthetic devices, at no cost. April 01, 2002, The Newindpress, Chennai.