India set to help hundreds in Guatemala walk with 600 artificial limbs
India will provide around 600 artificial limbs to people in Guatemala through a major humanitarian effort starting this October.
The 50-day medical camp will be run by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the makers of the Jaipur Foot, in partnership with the Indian government.
The Indian Embassy in Guatemala confirmed that all approvals have been finalised for the limb fitment camp, which will take place at the Ministry of Defence in Guatemala City.
The camp is part of the "India for Humanity" programme and marks the 33rd such mission carried out around the world.
India’s Ambassador to Guatemala, Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, said the project will support people in need and also strengthen ties between the two countries.
He said the camp shows how India’s partnerships can deliver real help on the ground.
The limb fitment work will be carried out by a trained team from BMVSS, which has held more than 100 international camps since it was founded in 1975.
Over the years, the group has provided over 2 million prosthetic limbs and other assistive devices to people across the world. The Jaipur Foot is well known for being light, affordable, and easy to use.
Prem Bhandari, chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, visited Guatemala earlier this year to help finalise preparations.
He handed over the official agreement to Guatemalan officials during a ceremony attended by the country's foreign minister and other key government leaders.
A container with equipment is expected to reach Guatemala in September, with a nine-member team arriving soon after.
The announcement also coincides with the 53rd anniversary of India-Guatemala diplomatic ties.
To mark the occasion, the Indian Embassy will also host one of the largest International Day of Yoga events outside India, expecting up to 12,000 participants on June 13.
