Ratu Ilaija Vosadina was in tears as he described what his new custom prosthetic leg meant to him.

The 12-year-old of Daku Village in Tailevu thanked the Fijian Government and the Government of India for giving him a new lease of life.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama launched the Jaipur Fitness Camp Project at Mataika House in Tamavua yesterday.

The Jaipur Fitness Camp Project started on November 1 and will end on December 17, 2022 in Suva, Nadi and Labasa.

Ratu Ilaija, who is a Year Seven student, said he was not expecting Mr Bainimarama to help him wear his prosthetic leg.

“I will be wearing my new prosthetic leg to school and town. I am blessed to be one of those chosen to get a specially fitted custom prosthesis,” Ratu Ilaija said.

“It is not easy to be an amputee but this new prosthetic leg will boost my confidence. I am just so happy and no words can describe how I feel right now.

“Thank you, thank you for this opportunity and I just can’t thank the Government and India enough for this opportunity.”

His mother, Nicole Vakanawa, said her son’s leg was amputated when he was six-months-old.

“He had sepsis when he was three months old and his leg got amputated when he was six months and we have been coming to Tamavua ever since,” Ms Vakanawa said.

“I am happy and thankful to the Jaipur team and team in Mataika House for being there for my son since he was one- year-old and I never had to pay anything.”

“This means my son will be like a normal child and he has been fortunate enough to be chosen and be part of the amputees chosen to receive the prosthesis.”

Mr Bainimarama said Fiji would cherish the strong partnerships.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (right) looked over as amputees received prosthetic legs and arm during Jaipur foot camp in Fiji on November 3, 2022. Photo: Ronald Kumar

“I am told that 636 amputees will benefit from this project which is a remarkable number. This includes 164 above knee amputees, 447 below knee amputees, 15 below elbow and 10 bilateral lower limb amputees,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“For these patients, life is about to change dramatically. A professionally fitted prosthetic can boost feelings of self-esteem, self-worth and dignity; provide hope for a brighter future, counter feelings of depression and raise the standard of living for people living with a disability.

“This project is aligned with Fiji’s Disability Inclusive Health and Rehabilitation Action Plan, which simply is built on my Government’s strongest commitment to leave no one behind.”

He advised those present that such procedures were required due to complications of Non-Communicable Diseases which is a health crisis that is devastating Pacific countries.

India High Commission to Fiji, P.S. Karthigeyan, said they were glad to play a small role in touching the lives of 636 beneficiaries.

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