How is India Supporting Persons with Disabilities in Guyana?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India is committed to supporting persons with disabilities in the Caribbean.
- Collaboration with local authorities emphasizes strong bilateral ties.
- Prosthetic limbs provide freedom and dignity to the recipients.
- Transformative partnerships can significantly improve lives.
- Ongoing support for CARICOM countries reflects India's broader humanitarian goals.
Georgetown, Aug 19 (NationPress) Reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dedication to assisting individuals with disabilities in the Caribbean, the Indian government has fulfilled its promise to supply artificial limbs in the region.
In a collaborative effort with Guyana's Ministry of Health and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the Indian firm Kalpataru Projects International Limited inaugurated an Artificial Limb Donation and Fitment Camp at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre in the capital, Georgetown, on Monday (local time).
This initiative, endorsed by the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, symbolizes the enduring friendship between India and Guyana along with a focus on people-centric diplomacy in the Caribbean.
"A promise kept, a commitment fulfilled. During the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, PM Narendra Modi announced India's collaboration with CARICOM to provide artificial limbs to disabled persons in the Caribbean as a testament to our friendship and people-centric diplomacy," stated the Indian High Commission in Georgetown via a post on X.
"It marks a new dawn, a new beginning, and a new chapter in the India-CARICOM partnership," the post further elaborated.
According to the Ministry of Health in Guyana, this project, organized alongside India-based Jaipur Foot and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Seva Samiti, signifies a crucial advancement in delivering life-changing prosthetic limbs to Guyanese individuals in need.
At the event, Guyanese Minister of Health Frank Anthony expressed his appreciation to the Indian Government and Jaipur Foot for their rapid cooperation in making this program a reality.
"This partnership is transformative. Prosthetic limbs not only restore mobility but also bring back independence, dignity, and opportunities," he stated.
"For numerous Guyanese who have lost limbs due to accidents or conditions like diabetes, affordable access to prostheses has been unattainable. Through this program, we are breaking barriers and providing individuals a second chance at life," the Minister emphasized.
Present at the event were Amit Talang, High Commissioner of India to Guyana; Gail Miller-Garnett, High Commissioner of Belize to Guyana; Serena Bender-Peltzwick, Deputy Programme Manager for Health Sector Development at CARICOM, along with other dignitaries.
In November 2024, during the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, PM Modi pledged support to CARICOM nations in seven significant areas including capacity building, agriculture and food security, renewable energy and climate change, innovation, technology and trade, cricket and culture, ocean economy and maritime security, as well as medicine and healthcare.