Monica More, who tragically lost both arms after falling between the platform and a train at Ghatkopar station in January, will be the first Indian patient to get advanced prosthetic arms
Over two months after Monica More lost both her arms in a tragic accident at Ghatkopar station, things are looking up for the gritty 17-year-old.
Monica underwent surgery at KEM Hospital on February 10 for skin grafting. Since then, she has been undergoing physiotherapy
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Doctors at civic-run KEM Hospital, where she has been undergoing treatment, have said that in a matter of a fortnight, she is slated to become the first patient in the country to be fitted with advanced prosthetic limbs, which will enable her to use her fingers effectively.
This means she will be able to both write and type, and perform various other tasks. “She has been responding well to the sensory tests being conducted on her by an international company.
Her stump has healed well following the grafting surgery and her muscles have become stronger. So in a matter of 15 days, we will get the prosthetic arms,” said Dr Pradeep Bhosale, head of the orthopaedic department at the hospital.
Monica, a Kurla resident, is recuperating in a private room in the general orthopaedic ward of the hospital. Speaking to mid-day, she said she is looking forward to returning home as her treatment comes to a close.
“My mother has been with me 24x7 for a over two months, since I got admitted. She got fever a few days ago, and had to return home. We are a little fed up of being in the hospital all the time,” she admitted.
More had fallen between the train and the tracks at Ghatkopar station on January 11, while she was attempting to board a crowded CST-bound suburban train. Her arms came under the running wheels of the train and had to be amputated. The accident occurred when she was heading home from SNDT College, where she studies Commerce.
While the family has managed to collect Rs 33 lakh, the prosthetic arms will cost a whopping Rs 50 lakh. Monica underwent surgery on February 10 for skin grafting. Since then, she has been undergoing physiotherapy.
On Saturday, hospital authorities, including the dean and Dr Bhosale, will hold a meeting with the officials of the German company that is supplying the prosthetic arms. They will discuss cost and other factors like the maintenance of the limbs.
“The maintenance will have to be done at regular intervals, the cost of which will be around R1 lakh. It is a highly advanced prosthesis with which her hands will have great support and flexibility to write or type,” said Ashok More, her father.
“We are hoping to get a considerable concession, so we can save some money that was donated for the maintenance of the limbs,” added the father.
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