#National News

Bwiam General Hospital launches Jaipur Limp Project

May 2, 2024, 11:37 AM | Article By: Sheriff JANKO

Bwiam General Hospital in Foni Kansala recently launched its Jaipur Limp Project, an initiative designed enable patients with limp disorders to get back to normal life and provide support to their families.

Rotary Jaipur Limp is a voluntary organisation supporting amputees in Africa.

The project funded by Rotary International Foundation is believed to be a game changer in the country as the initiative is the first of its kind in this part of Africa.

At the event, Chery Currie, Rotary Jaipur Limb Project - UK representative in The Gambia, revealed that Rotary Jaipur Limp is a voluntary organisation supporting amputees in Africa.

“We have opened over 38 workshops around Africa and now we have provided one here in The Gambia. My Rotary Club in the UK with the help from Rotary Foundation in the US have provided this workshop with all the equipment, tools and all the materials to make individual prosthetic limp at this hospital.”

The UK philanthropist further disclosed that the Rotary Club also provided all the much-needed training to make this limp, saying they provide below-knee and above-knee and all new limps for the population.

This, she added, will cover the elderly and young and the children.

She expressed optimism that the Unit at the hospital will be sustainable and remain in the country for years to come.

“We now have in stock for 700 amputees to provide them with new limps.”

This, she added, will enable them to get back to normal life and provide support to their families and continue working.

This new Jaipur Limp, she added, are comfortable and light wear, as one can even drive in his car and work on fields.

She thanked all those who played a role in making the project a success.

For her part, Adelle M. Sock, assistant Governor District 9101 and president-elect of Rotary Club of Fajara, revealed being a Rotarian for nearly 25 years, recalling when Cheryl came to one of their Club meetings around 2018 when she just returned from a mission in Paris, France, and Cheryl was impressed with her.

This is because, she showed a passion for the Jaipur Limp Project, further acknowledging that without question those at the club meeting supported the idea.

She thanked all those who played a role in making the project a success, reminding that Rotary and Rotarians are about service above self in serving their communities.

She spoke about the projects they have been involved; environment, health, education among a host of others.

Haruna S. Jallow representing the Ministry, recalled how the whole project was conceived some few years ago.

This, he said was during one of their visits to the country’s main referral hospital, EFSTH, when Cheryl, the UK philanthropist, saw young people being amputees having those heavy walking sticks.

Ansumana Mendy, administrator at the hospital on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, also commended all stakeholders, who played a part in the project.

He said the hospital would continue to support to ensure the sustainability of the project.

Mendy equally expressed optimism that the initiative will change the lives of many Gambians.