The Ministry of Health has said that major limb loss and amputation remain a serious public health concern, with more than 5.5 million people in Uganda living with some form of disability.
The ministry attributes many of these cases to road traffic accidents, as well as a growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
Dr Charles Olaro, the director general of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, revealed this while receiving a donation of 41 prosthetic limbs from the Ruparelia Foundation at Mulago National Referral Hospital’s orthopaedics department.
“On my own behalf and that of the Ministry of Health, I extend my sincere appreciation to Dr Sudhir Ruparelia and his family for supporting vulnerable people and communities. Many people out there are still in need of limbs,” Dr Olaro said.
He added that the foundation has consistently supported communities, citing a recent outreach in the Bukedea district where it organised a free eye camp that provided treatment to residents.
“This is not the first time the Ruparelia Foundation has extended such support. The eye camp in Bukedea, where people received free treatment, is something that should not be taken lightly,” he said.
Prof Filippa Musoke, the chairperson of the Mulago Hospital board, also welcomed the donation and commended the foundation for its continued support to the health sector.
She paid tribute to the late Rajiv Ruparelia, noting that his legacy should continue to inspire charitable work.
Jyotsna Ruparelia, co-founding member of the Ruparelia Foundation and wife of Sudhir Ruparelia, said the donation was part of a series of activities held in memory of their son, Rajiv Ruparelia.
She said the family remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities.
“I must confess that there is no single day that passes without thinking about my son Rajiv. He loved people and believed in supporting others. That is why we continue to give back as a family,” she said.
She added that the donation marked one year since Rajiv’s passing and thanked friends and well-wishers for supporting the foundation’s initiatives.
