Jaipur foot has Chennai connection

CHENNAI: The Jaipur Foot — artificial limbs made in the Pink City — has come to the aid of victims of disasters, natural or man made, across the world. From Afghanistan to Columbia, and even at home in Mumbai after the recent 13/7 blasts, the artificial limbs were the most sought after for getting victims back on their feet.But, did you know that the internationally renowned artificial limb has a Chennai connection? The Jaipur Foot was manufactured taking a cue from what is fondly called the Madras Foot, a contribution of the Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, affiliated to the Madras Medical College.Three noted physicians from MMC designed the Madras Foot to suit the customs and conditions of Indians in the early 1960s. According to Dr Ramesh, Associate Professor, Physical Medicine, Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Madras Foot was made from the basic foot model. He said, “The artificial limbs are a Western concept. However, the Madras Foot was designed for our people to help them walk barefoot and give them comfort while squatting. Besides, the Madras Foot also had artificial nails.” In fact, the Jaipur leg was modelled on the Chennai one, he added.Every year, the institute, situated at KK Nagar in Chennai, performs 1,500 artificial limb processes almost free of cost. Artificial limbs, produced by the private manufacturers, cost anywhere between `8,000 and `10,000 in the market. “But, we are giving it for just `38,” Dr Ramesh said. Interestingly, the institute is one of the largest rehabilitation centres in India providing medical, social and vocational rehabilitation for physically challenged persons.