MANGALURU: Seva Bharathi, Belthangady, through the ‘Seva Dhama’ initiative, is trying to provide solar-operated air medical beds to poor patients suffering from spinal cord injuries, and who are bedridden with severe sores. The project is sponsored by the Association of People with Disability, and the energy solution is provided by Selco Solar Light Private Limited.
K Vinayaka Rao,51, president, Seva Bharathi told TOI, “We have been working for the upliftment of people suffering from spinal cord injuries and those who are bedridden for the past three years.”
Vinayaka, an electrical engineering diploma holder, was indoors for nearly four years, after he had a fall about 25 years ago. “Life almost came to a standstill. I realised that all that patients need is rehabilitation, along with medical treatment, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and techniques that can make patients less dependent on others. I got to know about rehabilitation after I visited a facility in Vellore after 21 years. Air mattresses are essential for people who are bedridden with severe sores due to spinal injury,” he said.
The solar products from Selco cost Rs 45,000 and comes with a five-year warranty. Other than the bed, the patient can run a fan and two lights, thus reducing the burden of paying electricity bills. Air beds are purchased by Seva Bharati and fixed with the Selco products. We have submitted a proposal for purchasing another eight such products. Two solar operated air beds were handed over to Somesh Banakal from Banakal and Sheena Naik from Mundaje.
According to an estimate, there are at least 50 people suffering from pressure sores and in need of air beds. Further, in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada, there are at least 310 people who have been suffering from a spinal injury and need rehabilitation. “Seva Dhama is following up on these cases, and trying to provide livelihood support through skill development and assisting in the rehabilitation process, by providing equipment like wheelchairs, walkers and the like, and ensuring accessibility support at home, toilets and workplace. Various programmes are being implemented with the support of other NGOs,” said Vinayaka.
