More than 50 individuals will receive free prosthetic limbs through the inaugural India–CARICOM Prosthetic Limbs Camp, launched at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. This initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the High Commission of India in Guyana, and CARICOM, aims to support amputees across all administrative regions.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony and other dignitaries, including High Commissioner of India Dr. Amit Telang, attended the launch. Dr. Ariane Mangar, Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, stated that the partnership would help amputees regain dignity, mobility, and independence.
The camp will facilitate proper fitting, training, and adjustment of prosthetics, which can cost over $400,000, making them inaccessible for many. This project marks India’s first such initiative in Guyana, following similar efforts in Tanzania and Ethiopia.
Dr. Telang emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening relations in the region and indicated plans to extend the program to other CARICOM states. Dr. Serena Bender-Pelswijk from the CARICOM Secretariat noted that the camp reaffirms the duty to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life and autonomy.
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