In conjunction with the International Red Cross and the Myanmar Red Cross Alliance, the Hpa-an Prosthetic Limb Refurbishment Department, which is part of the Prosthetic Amputee Department of Hpa-An, will travel across the country and provide mobile services for prosthetic limbs to those in need.

Ko Soe Hteik, the field coordinator of the Prosthetic Amputee Department of Hpa-An said: “For those who are using a prosthetic device, they have fake legs and fake feet. But these devices will be worn after 4-5 months of use. They come to Hpa-an [Prosthetic Limb Refurbishment Department] for repairs, when their [prosthetic] feet break and their strings snap. They have hardships in life, when their prosthetics break, they do not come to get new ones, they just keep using the broken ones. So, we provide this mobile service [of refurbishing prosthetic limbs] around the country, so that it will be better for those experiencing difficulties. It will also help them to avoid traveling for repairs and not waste much time.”

There are 109 disabled people in Thanbyuzayat Township, including disabled athletes and about another 40 disabled people living in the surrounding townships.

U Maung Htoo who cycles competitively and has a prosthetic limb said: “In 1985, I was taken for portering and stepped on landmine, and lost my leg. It has been 30 years since then. But at the moment, I am racing bikes with able bodied people, I once came 3rd in a race and I got a gold medal when I raced with disabled people. I used to go to Hpa-An to fix my leg there, but now they come here to repair it and I am glad for that,”

U Maung Htoo said that he will be taking part in a 47 mile bicycle race in Thanbyuzayat on 13 September.

Many people have lost limbs as a result of motor vehicle accidents.

U Aung Kyaw Htun who used the prosthetic limb refurbishment service said: “After a motorbike accident a year ago, I had to cut this leg off. Currently, I have to wear a [leg] sock and this prosthetic leg. Because of this service, I am now able to walk. I am very glad.”

The Hpa-an Prosthetic Limb Refurbishment Department plans to travel through Mon, Karen and Karenni states, as well as Tenasserim Division and the eastern division of Pegu.

At the moment, the department is in Mon State, and has already traveled to Mon State’s townships but not yet to Moulmein or Chaungzone townships. Those who need to change prosthetics or replace major parts of their prosthetics will be sent to the Prosthetic Amputee Rehabilitation Department in Hpa-an, the capital of Karen State.

Reported by Min Seik Mon

Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI