PMD-VK centre opens in Mumbai's Bandra with MDL support for assistive devices for disabled, elderly

A new step has been taken in Bandra, Mumbai, to make assistive technology and rehabilitation services easier to access for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. A Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMD-VK) was inaugurated at the AYJNISHD campus in Bandra under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

MDL has given CSR financial assistance of Rs 3.79 crore to provide assistive devices and aids through the centre. Both MDL and the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) are part of the initiative. ALIMCO is a Miniratna Category-II central public sector undertaking under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The main aim of the joint initiative is to improve people's access to the right assistive aids and to encourage beneficiaries to lead self-reliant lives.

In line with the relevant schemes of the Government of India, the Bandra centre will provide needy persons with disabilities and senior citizens a range of assistive devices and aids. For persons with disabilities, the centre will have motorised tricycles, wheelchairs, hearing aids, accessible canes, walking sticks and other mobility and assistive devices.

Senior citizens will be given wheelchair-commodes, walking sticks with seats, LS belts for the lower back, knee braces, spinal support aids and other assistive devices that make daily life easier.

The centre will also have 3D scanning facilities for making artificial limbs. Through digital measurement and assessment, the technology will allow a prosthetic limb to be designed to the beneficiary's needs and in a medically appropriate position. It is expected to improve the accuracy of artificial limbs, ensure correct fit and comfortable use, and lead to better rehabilitation outcomes.

The devices will help persons with disabilities overcome difficulties in moving around and in daily tasks. They will also be able to take a more active part in education, employment and social life, and gain opportunities for self-reliant livelihoods.

For senior citizens, the devices will help them move around safely, manage daily tasks with ease and depend less on others in the various activities of regular life. As a result, they will contribute to raising their independence, self-respect and standard of living.

Through the PMD-VK centre, ALIMCO aims to take essential assistive technology and rehabilitation measures to needy beneficiaries. The centre will work to ensure that each beneficiary gets the right device according to personal need and the provisions of the Government of India's applicable schemes. The MDL-ALIMCO collaboration has been described as strengthening the broader vision of building an accessible and inclusive India that gives everyone an equal opportunity.

MDL Executive Director and Head of Department (CSR) Arun K. Chand, Deputy General Manager (HR/CSR) Pradeep Maheshwar and AYJNISHD Director Dr Suman Kumar were present at the inauguration. ALIMCO General Manager (Marketing) Shashi Tripathi and ALIMCO Mumbai in-charge Mrinal Kumar were also present.