The Jaipur Foot is the largest organization of prosthetic devices, which dramatically changes the lives of many amputees. One of the most technologically advanced enterprises in the world, it serves the poorest in society and was named by Time Magazine as one of the 50 best inventions in the world. PFC networks Jaipur Foot to innovators and funders to expand its work.
World-renowned, the Jaipur Foot is the largest organization of prosthetic devices, which dramatically changes the lives of many amputees. Named for the Indian city where the Jaipur Foot was created, the Jaipur Foot incorporates the most authentic appearance and functionality of a human foot and can be worn with or without shoes. The Jaipur Foot has proven to be a remarkable triumph in the history of prosthetic feet due to the low cost of under $50 to produce and the speed at which each limb can be constructed. Recipients receive his or her Jaipur Foot free of charge.
The story behind the Jaipur Foot
An unlikely partnership was formed when master craftsman and artist, Mr. Pandit Ram Chandra Sharma, and an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. P. K. Sehti, teamed up to develop the Jaipur Foot, a low cost prosthetic foot originally made of vulcanized rubber and wood. The Jaipur Foot is genius in design, as it is low-cost, durable, waterproof and flexible, and can be used with or without shoes. From manufacturing a mere 50 devices in 1968 to well over 1.25 million today, victims of birth defects, illness and accidents have been given another chance at leading a fulfilling life.
The Jaipur Foot is flexible along multiple axes thus allowing natural movement of the foot. It is perfectly designed to fulfill the need of the Indian culture where many people continue to farm, ride bicycles, run, climb trees and squat on the floor for prayer.
Now retired from the service to his government, D.R. Mehta spends his time committed to the continuation of building the Jaipur Foot concept, to physically expand the center, further the research and development and reach more amputees in over 22 countries.
