Polio Child Relief

Project Manager: Josef Suess

For several years now, the Polio Child Relief (PCR) team, currently headed by project managers Josef Suess and M.K.Jyothi, have worked to better the life of polio victims in the Mumbai (Bombay) area, in collaboration with Dr. Paresh Desai of Shraddha Hospital. Since 1997, hundreds of poor polio affected children have successfully received free treatment under this project, in a country where there are still thousands and thousands of polio victims.

The first step in the Polio Child Relief process is that PCR volunteers visit slum areas to locate children in need of this correctional surgery. Free check-ups are then arranged, after which the children are admitted to Shraddha Hospital, where they receive free surgery. The sponsorships for these operations are raised by the PCR volunteers.

A standard operation, which Dr. Desai performs at cost basis is the equivalent of US $95. The cost for a difficult limb-lengthening surgery is US $210. The volunteers of PCR provide patients with complimentary follow-up care and free consultation, as well as attending to emergencies and coordinating the patients’ post-operative treatment until it is successfully completed.

Mumbai , India

A joyful moment as polio victims Arun, Ruckika and Sangeeta practice standing and walking for the first time in their lives.

Jyothi caring for a young polio patient.