It is the first project of its kind to be implemented under the Public-Private partnership model where the dynamic District Collector mobilized Corporations, Industry, Markets and the local community to pool in half the project costs.

The other half was mobilized with active support from Palanpur Samaj Kendra, Mumbai by Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust , Mumbai which also implemented the project.

 

A series of screening camps were conducted in each taluka prior to the main camps and the pre-selected and identified beneficiaries were called to the main camps.

During the camps polio affected got custom made calipers, amputees got Jaipur foot prosthetics as per their measurements and crutches, tricycles and wheelchairs were distributed on a need based assessment.

The hearing impaired underwent an audiology test and were provided with appropriate hearing aids.

 

The whole project was divided into 3 phases for the convenience of the disabled.

In the first phase a 5 day camp was organized at Civil Hospital, Palanpur from the 11th to the 15th of April, 2010 and covered patients from Palanpur, Danta, Amirgadh, Vadgam and Dantiwada talukas.

A total of 6195 poor disabled benefited from the Palanpur camp.

In the second phase a 4 day camp from 16th to 19th April, 2010 was inaugurated by Shri Parbatbhai Savabhai Patel, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat at the Government Hospital, Deesa. This camp covered patients from Deesa, Dhanera and Kankrej talukas though patients from other talukas were also welcomed and provided assistance. In Deesa a total of 5050 disabled were provided with aids and appliances.

The third phase of the project was held at Samuhik Arogya Kendra, Tharad from the 20th to the 23rd of

April and covered patients from Tharad, Vav, Deodar and Bhabhar talukas.

Here a total of 4527 patients availed of the free facilities at the camp.

 

The closing ceremony of the project at Tharad on 23rd April, 2010 was presided over by the Gujarat Minister of State for Health Shri Parbatbhai Savabhai Patel.

Thus a total of 15772 orthopaedically handicapped and hearing impaired patients benefited from the Banaskantha Viklang Melo 2010 till 23rd April, 2010.

Upon the wishes of the District Collector and with a view to ensure that no disabled are

left out another 2 day camp is being organized again at the Civil Hospital, Palanpur on

the 24th and 25th of April, 2010.

 

Such a massive project went off smoothly because of the valuable assistance provided by

the offices of the District Collector at Palanpur, Deputy Collectors at Palanpur, Deesa and

Tharad, Civil Surgeon and Medical officers, a dedicated team of volunteers from Vidya

Mandir, Palanpur and the community at large which not only pitched in with funds but

also assisted in the mobilization of patients to ensure that the district becomes viklang

free.