Friday, August 31, 2012

Colombo Friend In Need

Chamila Harshanie Balasooriya
FMS/R/ 2834
Group B
29/8/2012
Post 03

This society was established in 1831 by a Governor, Sir Edward Barnes. It’s the oldest charitable organization in Sri Lanka. Now it’s nearly 180 years old. Main service from this society to the public is manufacturing artificial limbs to amputees. This society includes nearly 30 staff members, including office staff, workshop and hostel staff.
Why people are amputated?.....  Due to various reasons like diabetes, RTA, osteosarcoma, infection, congenital deformities, leprosy etc. according to the level of amputation of the lower/upper limb, they are capable of producing prosthesis. (Prosthesis is an artificial device extension that replaces a missing body part) 
How people can be referred to CFIN?
·         Walk in basis
·         Grama niladhari – Social service officer from AGA office –Social service ministry –approves funding
·         MO of hospital
·         NGO”s 
A source of funding to this organization is by Ministry of Social Services, Rotary club, Lions club, individuals and the public.
Other than manufacturing the limbs, various other services are also given to the society,
ü  Stump conversion – after the amputation of the limb, once the wound is healed, the amputee is referred to the physiotherapist for stump preparation. Conical stump is suitable to fit prosthesis.
ü  Physiotherapy, exercise, gait training
ü  Transient hostel facilities, provision of food – there are 3 wards, 2-male and a female ward. 30 amputees can be accommodated at a time. Food and accommodation is free of charge.
ü  Self employment project – amputees are given loans for self employment to live independent lives as able individuals.
ü  Aidex annual sports meet – every year in October, a special sport meet for Jaipur limb users is conducted by CFIN in order to help them to live as normal people.
ü  Mobile limb fitting work shop – a Rosa bus consisting of drill machines, oven, work benches, grinding machine and a vacuum pump acts as a small mobile work shop. It travels to all parts of the country to fit artificial limbs to amputees who are unable to come to Colombo.
ü  Education grants to disabled children
ü  Pension scheme for disabled elders 

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