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From the Bangkok Post Saturday 12 March 2005... Amputees get free artificial limbs ACHADTAYA CHUENNIRUN Phuket _ Tsunami amputee victims were yesterday fitted out with artificial limbs under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's project. The Public Health Ministry gave the artificial legs and arms to 110 tsunami victims whose limbs were amputated after being hit by tidal waves, trees and debris in the Dec 26 tsunami tragedy last year. Yongyuth Wichaidit, the assistant public health minister, chaired the ceremony to give the artificial limbs to the victims. German ambassador Andreas von Stechow also donated 17.3 million baht from the Ein Herz fuer kinder Foundation yesterday to the royal project to help disabled tsunami victims. So far, a total of 273 people who lost limbs as a result of the tidal waves have registered with the health authorities. Since March 7-10, 168 artificial arms and legs have been made under the royal project's sponsorship. Prathuang Patkor, 39, a fisherman from Phangnga's Takua Pa district, said he had been swept away by the tidal waves on Dec 26. His right leg was pierced by a sharp wooden object and subsequently had to be amputated due to infection. ''I'm very happy with the new leg. It helps me to walk again. I'm so grateful to the project for giving me a new life,'' said Mr Prathuang. Mai Supanu, 32, another fisherman, said he was working on his boat when the tidal waves struck Phuket and his legs became trapped in the wreckage. He was rescued and underwent surgery but one of his legs had to be removed. Dr Chatri Banchuen, director-general of the Medical Services Department, said mobile health units have been sent out to provide treatment to disabled residents in all affected provinces. |