District Red Cross Society to

Hoshiarpur/July 2/Daljeet Ajnoha : Under the able guidance of Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman of the District Red Cross Society Ashika Jain, the District Red Cross Society has launched a special campaign aimed at bringing new hope and self-reliance to persons with disabilities. In collaboration with Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), the Society will organise free artificial limb and other assistive device distribution camps on July 7 at the Community Hall, Kamahi Devi, and on July 8 at the BDPO office, Dasooha. Eligible beneficiaries have been invited to apply to avail the camps’ benefits.
Mangesh Sood, secretary of the District Red Cross Society, said this is the fifth camp organised by the society in the past year. He said the primary objective is to assist economically vulnerable persons with disabilities who are unable to purchase essential assistive devices due to financial constraints. Specialist doctors will provide free examinations for beneficiaries at the camps. He added that hearing aids, wheelchairs, tricycles, crutches and calipers will be provided free of cost on the spot to those in need, while artificial hands and legs will be provided completely free within 10–15 days after measurements are taken.
The society secretary said eligibility criteria have been set for distribution of certain devices. Motorised tricycles will be provided only to beneficiaries whose disability is 80 per cent or more and who have not received such assistance from the government or any other organisation in the past five years. Similarly, wheelchairs, artificial limbs and hearing aids will be given only to needy persons who have not availed these facilities in the past three years.
Aditya Rana, joint secretary of the District Red Cross Society, said all necessary arrangements are being made for the convenience of beneficiaries attending the camps. He said eligible candidates wishing to register and submit applications may contact mobile number 81462-41296.
He also appealed that all persons with disabilities attending the camps must bring their UDID card or disability certificate and a copy of their Aadhaar card.
The District Red Cross Society, Hoshiarpur, appealed to all residents of the area, panchayat representatives, panches-sarpanches and social organisations to inform needy persons with disabilities in their neighbourhoods about the camps on July 7 at Community Hall, Kamahi Devi, and July 8 at the BDPO office, Dasooha, so that the maximum number of eligible people can benefit from this public-spirited initiative