Fresh hope through the Jaffna Jaipur Centre
View(s):An area where there was only rudimentary capability was in the making of personalised footwear for those with non-healing foot ulcers or with foot deformities. Many of the non-healing foot ulcers that arise from diabetes or impaired circulation progress to the point where an amputation may be necessary. Personalised footwear that could help remove pressure from the ulcer area while walking, a technique called offloading, could help speed up the healing process thus avoiding the need for amputation.
Making personalised footwear
The Christian Medical College in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, has been a pioneer in this field. Their Prosthetic and Orthotic department has been making such personalised footwear for many years. On the initiative of Prof. Felix Jebasingh, who had visited the Jaffna Jaipur Centre in 2024, two staff members from CMC’s P&O department to Jaffna were sent to train the local staff in making these special, personalised footwear.
Arul Thomas (prosthetist) and John Joseph (orthotist) spent an eventful and extremely busy week at the centre from February 17 working with dedication, cooperation and compassion. Though initially agreeing to see ten patients during their time in Jaffna, as more and more people turned up, they never refused and ended up helping 21! Most had non healing foot ulcers and had been referred by local surgeons. There were also a few children with birth abnormalities of their bones who were also helped.
Several pairs of personalised footwear were made within 24 hours for most who came for help. Arul and John had also brought materials and instruments to donate to the centre with which they created these items of footwear. The local staff were unfamiliar with many of these items but with the help of these two trainers were able to identify similar materials that are available locally.
At the end of the week several of the staff members had learned the skills required to make such footwear at the centre.
This collaboration was possible thanks to support from the Endocrinology Unit of CMC and the International Medical Health Organisation USA.
The Jaffna Jaipur Centre is now ready to help those with foot ulcers and deformities with personalised footwear as well as diabetics who need safe footwear and thereby expand its important contribution to the community.
| How to contact them | |
| Tel : 021 222 2574 email : jaipurj@sltnet.lk Contact person :
|
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.