Thousand over beneficiaries have benefited from the ‘Free Prostheses Programme’ jointly organised by the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society (Penang)and the Prostheses Foundation of Princess Mother of Thailand since 2007.
The programme is held every three years and this year it returns for the fifth time.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who attended the launch of the programme gave his word of encouragement to the beneficiaries of the programme.
“Upon receiving the prosthetic limbs, I would like to encourage all of to rebuild your confidence in order face the setbacks of life.
“Not only that, but i hope that you will also be able to motivate others who are facing a similar situation to rise above challenges and to take part in the development of the country and the society.
“The state government and all the many NGOs (non-governmental organisations) are all willing to be part of programmes such as this so as to assist the special needs group to ‘brave’ the challenges of life,” said Chow at the launch of the programme today.
Chow also commended the organisation for their service to the community and urged other organisations to emulate their act.
This is a seven day programme whereby during this duration, doctors and technical personnel will measure, check and make the prosthetic limbs suitable for the amputee.
The president of the organisation (Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society) Datuk Lim Cheah Chooi, said that they desire to set up a ‘Prostheses Repair and Maintenance Centre’ to provide repair and maintenance services to the amputees.
He also shared that they are looking for volunteers to help out at the centre especially the retired medical officers.
“They will be sent to the prostheses foundation in Thailand for the technical training,” said Lim.
According to the secretary of Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society, Choong Yit Chuan
a total of 248 beneficiaries will be receiving their prosthetic limbs this year.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis