Events

A programme to mark the occasion of the ‘International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day’ (P&O Day) was held at the Advanced Rehabilitation Centre (ARC), located on the premises of the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) Sundargarh, on Saturday. 

Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer (CDM&PHO) Sundargarh Dr. Saroj Kumar Mishra inaugurated the programme where artificial limbs were distributed among seven PwD beneficiaries.

The theme of the first International P&O Day is, ‘Enabling and Empowering’. The objective of the International P&O Day is to provide an opportunity to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to lead an active and dignified life.

“The District Administration has been taking various initiatives for the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The ARC Sundargarh has been providing free artificial limbs to people suffering from various physical impediments following accidents or injury. This is not only helping them become active and agile but pursue a normal life and earn their livelihood once again,” said Dr. Mishra.
The ARC has been opened at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) Sundargarh, under the aegis of the Social Security & Persons with Disabilities Department of the Govt of Odisha, where Robotics Physiotherapy treatment is provided to differently abled persons by expert therapists free of cost.    

Moreover, free artificial limb transplantation and treatment facilities are also provided to beneficiaries who have lost limbs, thus enabling them to earn their livelihood lead a dignified life in the society. 

“In 2020, my left had to be amputated due to chronic progression of cancer. I could move around only with the help of a walking stick. After learning about the ARC from a relative, my father registered my name there. I am very happy that I have received an artificial limb at today’s programme. My dream of pursuing diploma courses now appears achievable,” said Akash Bag from Biramitrapur, one of the beneficiaries at the International P & O Day programme at ARC Sundargarh.       

Artificial limbs have been provided to 454 beneficiaries by ARC Sundargarh between July 2020 and October 2022. Similarly, in 4507 sessions, free Robotics Physiotherapy services have been extended to 264 beneficiaries during the period. The Sundargarh District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is financially supporting the treatment and rehab programme. 

Dean Sundargarh Medical College & Hospital Prof. Dr. Daitari Routray, DSSO Ashok Kumar Habdasingh, Dy Collector (Emergency) Kuntirani Nayak and ADMO Dr. Purna Chandra Sahoo were among the dignitaries present at the International P & O Day event.