RCFC was set up in 1973 by the Late Jane Pamela Webb a social activist, for rendering treatment and rehabilitation services to the children with orthopaedic challenges. It offers comprehensive interdisciplinary services for the treatment of such children. RCFC’s services include outpatient clinic, surgical treatment, x-ray, immunization, physiotherapy, mobility aid appliances, cerebral palsy clinic, basic education, pre-vocational training, residential care and counselling. RCFC caters to children from different districts of West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar and the North Eastern States. RCFC works in collaboration with Panchayats and Community Based Organisations in conducting Early Identification and Awareness Camps to identify patients needing surgical interventions. The Government of West Bengal has declared RCFC as a State Resource Centre in recognition of its outstanding contribution in the field of disability.
The objectives of RCFC are
When Piu Hazra came to RCFC she was suffering from a medical condition called Pseudo- arthrosis in which the bone of her right leg had broken and did not unite even after plasters and surgeries. Her right leg could not bear any weight and she was compelled to use a pair of crutches for walking. At RCFC her family was explained the reason why her broken leg would not unite and the doctors advised her to go for amputation and subsequent fitting of an artificial limb. The very thought of amputation was difficult to accept for Piu’s family but her mother did not want Piu limping on her crutches throughout her life. She was determined that her daughter should lead an independent life. After counseling she agreed for the surgery.
At RCFC the Doctors performed the surgery and the first simple prosthesis was made for Piu at the Mobility Aid Workshop. She could now walk without crutches.
Piu started to learn dancing gradually she picked up the movements of Indian classical dance and now has become quite proficient and even performed with actress and dancer Ms. Sudha Chandran of Nache Mayuri. Piu is currently pursuing her graduation and dreams of becoming a professional stage artist. At a program in RCFC Piu enthralled the audience with a soulful rendering of Rabindranath Tagore’s immortal song “Aguner Parasmani”. With the inauguration of our new Mobility Aid Workshop, RCFC shall be able to manufacture Hi -tech Artificial Limbs for persons like Piu so that their physical limitations do not come in their way of leading a life with dignity.
Before surgery
Subham Sah (photo above) is a 12 year old from Katihar District of Bihar. He was born with multiple congenital deformities. He dropped out of school as he was taunted and ridiculed for his appearance, his condition prevented him from leading a normal life. He was identified for treatment and brought to RCFC where he underwent four corrective surgeries. Post surgery under RCFC’s rehabilitation process he was given gait training and physiotherapy to restore optimal limb movement besides non-formal education and many recreational facilities. When Subham was discharged, from RCFC 10 months later he did not require any artificial support and could walk normally on his own.
After surgery & treatment in RCFC
PAYEL KHATUN- PRE OPERATIVE
This is Payal Khatun from Malda in west Bengal. she is 2 years and 2 months old. Daughter of Mofijul Hussain and Sahela Bibi. She has been diagnosed with Bilateral CTEV (Congenital Talipes Equinovarus) on both legs. Payal loves to play football and to run. However this is difficult for her as due to the shape of the legs cause her to fall down after a few steps. Her father is a daily labourer and mother takes care of the family. With a meagre monthly income the family couldn’t afford the cost of operations. In RCFC Payal underwent two surgeries and post surgery rehabilitation absolutely free of cost.
PAYEL KHATUN- POST OPERATIVE
Coming to know about RCFC’s facilities and the fact that it offers quality treatment free of cost to children from underprivileged families, an Afghan organisation named Cultural & Empowerment Organisation for Afghans (CEOA), took the initiative to bring 18 Afghan children for treatment in RCFC. This move was supported by the Afghan President’s office with the personal involvement of the first lady whose initiative gave shape to this project.
Afghanistan does not have sufficient facilities for the treatment of disabled children, and they remain a neglected lot with no hope for improvement in their condition. Most of the children in this contingent hail from remote areas of Afghanistan characterized by total lack of medical facilities. RCFC stepped in and provided the much needed surgical and non surgical interventions absolutely free of cost.
18 Afghan children aged between 2 years to 12 years were accompanied by their guardians and one official of CEOA; the Afghan Organisation. Totally 35 persons (18 children & 17 Adults) stayed in RCFC for the duration of the treatment.
This is SAIFOORA from Kapisa Province in Afghanistan. She is 4 years old. When she came to RCFC in early December she was not able to stand nor able to walk. She underwent surgery in RCFC which enabled her to straighten her legs. After three weeks of having a plaster she was provided with casts that stabilized her legs during the walking process. Additionally she was put on physiotherapy After some weeks she was able to stand with the help of a walker and is nowadays taking her first steps with its help.
EDRIS, 12 years, from Kabul in Afghanistan came a long way to RCFC along with both his parents. Due to the financial situation of the family and his disability he is not able to go to school. When he came RCFC he was not able to walk and needed support to stand. He was operated upon in RCFC. After a couple of weeks his plasters were removed and physiotherapy started. Furthermore he was provided with casts from RCFC. His physiotherapy started with stretching. After a few weeks he was able to stand up independently. After 10 days he was able to take his first steps with the help of a walker. Edris is now able to walk for a long time on a treadmill. The progresses he is making are just amazing. He himself is delighted to observe the improvement in walking skills each day.
