Pune: The Indian Army’s Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) has started providing bionic limbs to soldiers who have lost their legs in the line of duty. The new limb offers better stability and mobility to soldiers.
“We have given these limbs to two soldiers last month which has garnered positive feedback as it has increased their comfort level,” ALC Commandant Brigadier S K Singh told TOI, “Since the cost of one limb is Rs12 lakh, we can’t afford to provide the same to civilian patients right now.”
The centre has imported the bionic limbs from multinational companies that already supply armed forces in western countries.
“The US and UK armies provide advanced limbs to their amputee soldiers. Most importantly, the beneficiaries have recovered fast and have rejoined duty. Some of the countries have even deployed such amputee soldiers in conflict zones,” a senior army officer said.
“Our initial plan is to provide these limbs to those soldiers who want to rejoin duty. The bionic limb needs to be imported as it cannot be manufactured in-house due to the absence of appropriate technology. We have checked Indian manufactured products which are not up to the mark,” an ALC officer said.
“If Indian manufacturers take extra efforts to enhance the quality of the product, it will be unnecessary to import theses limbs thereby making it cost-effective. It can then be provided to all needy soldiers and veterans as well,” another ALC officer said.
Meanwhile, a section of the army believes this limb would not be beneficial to para-sportsmen owing to added weight. “Sportsmen require lighter limbs which give them comfort and agility. These factors help them better their performance. With this limb, they must compromise on agility which they can’t afford. It may be useful for para-shooters or table tennis players where stability is an important factor, which is provided by the (heavier) limb,” a source said.
