The seventh edition of Operation Restore, an initiative of National Burns Centre (NBC), Airoli, and Rotary Clubs of RI District 3140 to perform free corrective surgeries on burn victims began on Saturday. Started in 2010, the main aim of the initiative is to correct functional, non-cosmetic deformities of the victims in order to to restore their working capacity and help them lead a productive life.
A team of surgeons led by Dr Sunil Keswani, director of NBC, will be performing surgeries on a total of 18 patients. While 10 of the surgeries were completed yesterday, the remaining eight are set to be done today. "Most patients come from interiors of Maharashtra and Gujarat with contractures that make the body part completely non-functional. Since each surgery takes around three to four hours, we have not more than 20 patients per camp," said Dr Keswani adding, "All the patients are screened before being admitted for surgery to ensure that they are overall fit to undergo a major surgery."
While the cost of consumables and medicines is incurred by the Rotary Clubs, especially Rotary Club of Deonar, of which this is a flagship project, the remaining expenses are underwritten by NBC. Till date, over 250 surgeries have been performed successfully, mentioned Rtn Pradeep Kumar Pujari. And the beneficiaries are indeed leading a productive life.
Manjushri Parmeshwar who is in her 20s, suffered severe burns in her neck and hands when her dress caught fire while cooking on a chulha (earthen hearth) in 2011. A native of Akkalkot in Solapur, Parmeshwar's neck got damaged to the point that it got fused with the surrounding skin (a contracture) making facial movement impossible. However, she came to Operation Restore camp that took place in November last year for surgery and is now able to move her neck. "After the incident, my confidence was shattered and I never even used to get out of my house. However, after the surgery my life returned to normal and I have a job today," said Parmeshwar, who has come again to have her elbow contracture treated.
"Most patients are women who have suffered severe kitchen burns," said Rtn Pujari. Renuka Mane, a six-year-old girl from Pandharpur was operated to correct toes contracture that was a result of the burns she suffered when she was just 2-months-old. Yet another lady from Mangaon, Bharti More, will go for surgery today to correct neck, elbow and bilateral axillary contracture that she suffered as a result of a stove blast.
Doctors from places like Kolhapur and Belgaon have volunteered for the camp. An inaugural function will be held today to be attended by Rotary Club members and donors. You can support the initiative by contributing your bit. Contact: 022-25595326 or 9969264398.
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