MoU between AIIMS, Viklang Samiti is beacon of hope for disabled: Raman Suri

JAMMU: Raman Suri, Executive Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), today said that the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur and Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), Jaipur is a transformative step toward empowering the disabled in Jammu & Kashmir. This agreement, aimed at providing prosthetic limbs and assistive devices free of cost, is a beacon of hope for thousands of differently-abled individuals in the region, offering them the opportunity to lead dignified and independent lives.

The MoU marks a significant expansion of prosthetic limb services in the state, which were previously limited to the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, in collaboration with the Red Cross. With over 50,000 individuals in Jammu & Kashmir unable to walk due to disabilities, the lack of adequate facilities has long deprived many of access to life-changing prosthetic solutions. While the government has introduced several welfare measures for the disabled, serious efforts to restore their mobility have been limited. Raman Suri emphasized that this initiative addresses a critical gap in healthcare and rehabilitation services for the differently-abled.

“This MoU is a game-changer for the disabled in Jammu & Kashmir. For decades, the absence of widespread, accessible prosthetic facilities has left thousands without hope. The partnership between AIIMS Vijaypur and BMVSS, an organization with a stellar 50-year legacy of transforming lives through affordable and innovative assistive devices, will bring new life to those who have been marginalized by their disabilities,” said Raman Suri.

The new facility at AIIMS Vijaypur will provide end-to-end services, including the manufacturing and fitting of prosthetic limbs and calipers on-site. This comprehensive approach will ensure that beneficiaries receive timely and high-quality support tailored to their needs. The initiative is particularly significant for residents of the state’s border areas, where landmine injuries have left many individuals without limbs. Over the past two decades, the GMC Jammu centre has provided artificial limbs to several such victims, but the scale of the new AIIMS facility promises to benefit thousands more.

Raman Suri lauded BMVSS for its unparalleled contributions to the welfare of the disabled, noting that the organization’s expertise and commitment will complement the government’s vision of inclusive development. “The efforts of BMVSS have changed lives across India, and their collaboration with AIIMS Vijaypur will amplify their impact in Jammu & Kashmir. This initiative aligns with the BJP’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind, regardless of their physical challenges,” he added.

The provision of prosthetic limbs and assistive devices free of cost is a commendable step that will alleviate the financial burden on economically disadvantaged families. By enabling the disabled to walk again, this initiative will not only restore their mobility but also their confidence, dignity, and ability to contribute to society. Raman Suri expressed optimism that the success of this program will inspire further efforts to address the needs of the differently-abled across the country.

The BJP executive member extended his heartfelt gratitude to AIIMS Vijaypur, BMVSS, and all stakeholders involved in this noble endeavor. This MoU is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change and underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of every citizen.