The Rotary Jaipur Limb Project (RJLP) is a pro-active fund-raising and project-initiating body of Rotarians, drawn from all over RIBI. It was formed in 1985 (becoming a registered charity in 1995). As such this year it is celebrating 25 years of service.

The Jaipur Limb is an artificial leg, developed at the Mahaveer hospital in Jaipur, India. The unique component is the Jaipur foot, a clever combination of wood and various densities of rubber vulcanised into a realistic looking brown foot. It is hard-wearing and will last for three or four years, longer if worn with a shoe.

One of the major differences between the Jaipur technology and western technology is the cost - whereas a western limb will cost between £1,000.00 and £2,000.00, a Jaipur limb can be made and fitted for as little as £25.00.·

Following the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, 5,000 victims, many of them emergency "chainsaw amputees", required artificial limbs. To these amputees hope and expectation was often no more than a metal crutch.

To help, RJLP are building in 2010/11 a limb camp consisting of a workshop and consulting area at the Bienfaisance Hospital in Pignon, together with a new Orthopaedic Training School, including demonstration/classroom, trainee accommodation and trainer’s quarters. Initially funded from the RIBI Haiti Appeal augmented by funds from Districts 1110 & 1250, funding has also been required to provide equipment, materials and staff training. Rotary District 1160 financed, at a cost of £32,000, an off-road 4x4 all terrain vehicle to transport the amputees to and from the Hospital unit, especially from the more remote areas.·

The Club was pleased to support this project with funding to leave a specialized vehicle in the name of Rotary in Ireland doing essential work helping the people of Haiti.

PP Marnette Lyons had the oportunity to visit the Limb Centre in Jaipur in 2009. Her report PP Marnette's Jaipur Visit 2009 can be seen here.