Sunday, October 16 2005 15:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Loni (Ahmednagar Dist): Country's premiere defence lab, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is using advanced composite technology, used in building aerospace structures for developing light weight calipers for the disabled.

"Traditionally, the calipers were made of steel which had many disadvantages. It weighed around 1 kg and the cost was Rs 4,000 per caliper. It not only proved hindrance in movement but was also unaffordable for the poor, who are the worst affected from polio. This prompted us for a new light-weight design for the calipers," senior DRDO scientist Mayank Dwivedi told sources here.

"In 1994, we began designing special light weight calipers with the help of Hyderabad-based Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). It comprised polypropylene in the Advanced Composites Technology used for our aerospace structures. It reduced the weight to mere 300 gm and the cost as mere Rs 360," Dwivedi said.

Though this technology was invented way back in 1969, the concept was brought to India by Prof P K Sethi of Jaipur Foot and Prof S C Lakkad of IIT Mumbai in the 90s. It was standardized in sizes, material and technology improved upon by DRDO and NIMS in 1994, he said.

After developing the prototype, personalizing the initial lots and proving the concept to the doctors, the technology was transferred to Alimco, Kanpur for mass production of these artificial limbs.

"It was a spin-off of defence technology for social welfare as initiated by President A P J Abdul Kalam during his tenure as DRDO Director," Dwivedi said.

Alimco uses two methods of molding injection and compression. It is a rapidly growing technology, which assists in going for high production rate.

"The first indicator of the product's success was the marked improvement in the walking pattern of the polio-affected children. This has gradually increased its acceptance," Dr L Narendranath, Department of Orthopadeic NIMS said.

"Till now 9,000 polio affected children have benefited all over the country with this technology. This year we had 2,500 fitments against 1000 last year. Doctors are prescribing the use of these calipers for the disabled now," Narendranath said.

"We are developing new technologies for the weaker section of the society," Dwivedi added.