Rohan Karkada (21) lost his right arm after falling in the gap between platform and train; while doctors say his stump is strong enough to wear a prosthetic, the family cannot afford them
Even after stoically suffering the pain of amputation, Rohan Karkada (21) has a long way to go. While his right arm was amputated earlier this year after he fell in the gap between the platform and the train in Andheri station, he braved the odds to appear for his First Year BA exams, in which he managed to pass (‘Amputated arm does not stop Mumbai student from taking exams,’ April 5).
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Rohan Karkada braved the odds to appear for his First Year BA exams, with the help of a writer, in which he managed to pass. Pic/Sameer Markande
The Karkada family, however, are still anxious about the next daunting hurdle that they hope to cross arranging for funds that are required for his prosthetic arm.
Also read: Mumbai train accident victim to get prosthetic arms that let her write, type
The family is hoping to have the same luck as 16-year-old Monika More, who suffered a fate similar to Rohan’s, but was lucky enough to get the funds required for her myoelectric arms. Rohan too, hopes that he will be able to lead a normal life again, with the help of prosthetics.
“He has been undergoing physiotherapy sessions at home. Doctors say his right arm, which was amputated at the elbow, is strong enough now to use a prosthetic arm,” said Ranjan Wilson, Rohan’s father.
“We have approached experts, who have briefed us on the wide range of prostheses available in India. Rohan wants to be able to ride his motorbike again. On looking it up, we found that the prosthetic arm costs around Rs 15-20 lakh,” he added.
While the family spent nearly Rs 15 lakh on Rohan’s hospital bills after he was admitted to the ICU for two weeks, they are now thinking of ways to raise funds for the prosthetic arm. On December 22, Rohan fell from a crowded train at Andheri station, after which a fellow commuter rushed him to Cooper Hospital.
From here, he was shifted to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra. After battling septicaemia and being bed-ridden for over two months, the RD National college student is now hoping that a prosthetic arm will help him be self-reliant again.
If you want to help in any way, contact Ranjan Wilson at 9892059910 or 9892019454