Visit to PNR Society and Prosthetic Fitting Centre, Bhavnagar, Gujarat
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting The PNR society which is an NGO in Gujarat that works tirelessly to support children with cerebral palsy, autism, and various other disabilities.The purpose of this trip was to understand the problems that the disabled kids face on a regular basis and the work PNR society is doing to ensure that the students felt comfortable. I was looking forward to visiting the prosthetic fitting centre. and their workshop. I have been working on a 3D-printed prosthetic hand that reads the muscle movements using an EMG sensor and responds to the signals. I wanted to visit the centre since I wanted feedback from the doctors and other manufacturing professionals on my prosthetic hand and its design. I also wanted to observe the problems that amputees faced as well as interact with them to understand their requirements.
The PNR society
PNR Society is an all-in-one unique forum of socially impacting institutions that aim at providing outstanding services towards every form of disability. Driven by the objective to survey, educate, prevent, cure or empower individuals with disability by providing quality facilities for rectification, assistance as well as education, in addition to real world opportunities that help them become independent.
Smt. P.R. Vadhar Artificial Limb Centre
Smt. P.R. Vadhar Artificial Limb Centre, established by PNR Society, is a unique establishment that produces artificial limbs and provides them to the under privileged at a minimal cost or even free.
The workshop at PNR society manufactures the artificial limbs which is required when there is a loss of human limbs due to diseases, accidents or even congenital disorders. The limbs produced are custom designed to suit the needs of the disabled and provide maximum mobility so as to have the least impact on the daily life of the individual. The Outpatient department takes care of each and every individual. Funds are raised to distribute aids and appliances manufactured in this workshop among them, free of any charge.
Artificial hands and legs, Calipers, Knee-braces, Crutches, Fracture braces, Ls braces, Splint cross leg and other Appliances for the disabled are manufactured at the workshop. They originally started out as a polio centre manufacturing calipers for polio patients. They diversified following polio eradication in India
Every year PNR Society conducts over 80 camps for knee braces, across India and the beneficiary count of the artificial limbs produced at the Centre exceeds 1,00,000 individuals
The Knee joint
The artificial limb centre has developed its proprietary joint mechanism which is designed for the needs of their patients. The joint has 2 axes of movement unlike other joints to ensure that the users can squat and sit cross-legged. This is keeping in mind the needs for the needs of end users of this limb.
The centre also offers imported joint systems for which they provide the socket and foot. The imported joint systems are more expensive and need more practice to use however, it is easier to use and is more practical. The cross-legged joint system is easier for beginners to use as they can lock the joint in place and can manually adjust the position of the leg.
Manufacturing Process
A mold of the stump is taken using POP . It is then coated with fiber glass and resin to create a socket. This socket is used for imported or cross-legged joint. The foot is procured from outside based on the measurements of the other foot. This foot is then fitted into the socket with joint and is ready to be attached to the amputated area.
The challenge here is to minimise the cost without compromising the quality considering these are used for underprivileged people.
The Elbow joint
The centre also works on a relatively less sophisticated prosthetic arm that primarily helps farm workers and labourers. This arm is easily detachable and is controlled using the movement from opposite shoulder using belt system. Usage of this joint needs practice as it is counter-intuitive and needs extra force. This arm only does the gripping from the arm without any finger specific movements. This just helps the amputees with daily tasks like carrying buckets, holding shovels etc.
The prosthetic arm is a low-cost system desgined to help the poor in the area
Learnings and Takeaways
Interacting with the children was a humbling experience. Despite facing immense challenges, they exuded an unyielding spirit and zest for life that was both inspiring and motivating. They embraced their differences with grace and a sense of acceptance that I found truly remarkable. The dedication and patience displayed by the NGO's staff in providing personalized care and support to each child is commendable.
Among the numerous activities, I participated in art therapy sessions, where the children expressed themselves creatively through colors and shapes. In the play area, I witnessed heartwarming moments as the children played together, transcending their disabilities and forming unbreakable bonds.
My visit to the NGO kindled a newfound determination within me. Witnessing the struggles these children faced daily made me realize how fortunate I am and how much more I could do to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others facing similar challenges. After this trip I am more determined to be an advocate of those with disabilities, and this visit has ignited a passion within me to pursue a path where I can contribute positively to their lives and well-being.