FREE correctional surgery camps for burn survivors organised by Rotary Club of Bombay North & Rotary Club of Deonar, in association with the National Burns Centre

Mumbai, March 21, 2024 (GNI): The Rotary Club of Bombay North & Rotary Club of Deonar in association with National Burns Centre (NBC) successfully hosted a meet and greet session for awareness of FREE Correctional Surgery Camps for correcting Deformities in Burn Survivors at NSCI, Worli, Mumbai. The aim of this event was to spread awareness about the free correctional surgery camp for burn survivors who cannot afford this surgery.

Present at the event were two burn survivors, members of the Rotary Club of Bombay North & Rotary Club of Deonar, and Dr. S.M. Keswani, Director, National Burns Centre and his team.

The National Burns Centre provides hospital space, operation theatres, surgical instruments, operative machinery, hospital wards, surgeons, doctors, nurses, and paramedic staff at no cost for each of these camps. The Rotary Clubs support the logistics of the surgery camps, sponsor surgery costs (consumables and medicine charges), and also provide counselling to the burn survivors and their families. Contractures treated in the camp includes neck, axillary, hand, elbow, greater toe, and web space contractures. Additionally post-surgery, follow up treatments like include regular dressing, pain management, and physiotherapy, which are also provided at the NBC to ensure complete recovery.

Since 2011, these Free Correctional Surgery camps, have positively impacted the lives of 796 burn survivors (50% are female, 34% are children and 17% are male). The correctional surgery camps are held once every 4 months and have a qualified team that assesses incoming patients through an extensive screening process. This includes a review of case history, financial status assessment, and explaining the camp procedures to patients and their relatives.

Since its inception, this initiative has helped instill a strong sense of self belief in the burn survivors, enabling them to be gainfully employed and, integrate them as contributing members of the society. Each camp aims to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of burn survivors, their families and their community at large, offering them a renewed zest for life through corrective surgeries and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Speaking about the initiative Dr. S.M. Keswani, Director, National Burns Centre said, “Operation Restore aims to rectify post-burn deformities, swiftly restoring patients to a normal life, both in function and appearance. Initiated by the Rotary Club of Deonar in 2011, later joined by the Rotary Club of Bombay North, we’ve conducted 24 camps, each performing approximately 20 surgeries. Patients not only receive surgical interventions but also benefit from comprehensive rehabilitation, encompassing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and scar management. We look forward to continuing this impactful journey of restoration and healing of the burn survivors,” stated in the press release.

Through each camp the Rotary Club of Bombay North, & Rotary Club of Deonar, and the National Burns Centre, reaffirm their commitment to supporting burn survivors. These organizations remain dedicated to providing ongoing support, ensuring that every burn survivor receives the care and assistance they need. With a shared vision of empowerment and inclusivity, the Free Correctional Surgery Initiative will continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by deformities caused due to grievous burn injuries.