KOZHIKODE: The 286 patients of the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), Kozhikode, are eagerly looking forward to the monsoon season as each drop of rain is going to fill their lives with a lot of hope. The reason, the 14,000 umbrellas made by them, some lying on the beds and some confined to wheel chairs, will be unfolded to drench the monsoon rains. The umbrellas were made as part of ‘Footprints’, the rehabilitation programme launched three years ago for the bed-ridden patients by the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM). The initiative is meant for terminally ill patients, suffering spinal disabilities owing to major accidents or diseases and often languishing in hospitals with excruciating pain and depression. Last year, more than 10,000 umbrellas manufactured by them as part of the training were sold like hot cakes. An order for 14,000 umbrellas branded as ‘Footprints’ has been received two months ago and the demand will soar up with the coming of the monsoon season, said IPM authorities. “The move was aimed to bring bedridden patients, who are spending their lives on bed and wheel chair, back to active life. Now, they are earning a livelihood with umbrella making, surpassing all physical limitations. In addition to this, the patients were given training in painting, art work, fabric painting, paper bag making, ornaments and flower making,” said Jose Pulimoottil, coordinator of Footprints. The patients will get `40 for making an umbrella. The organisers of the IPM distribute raw materials to make the umbrella at the doorsteps of each patient and collect and market the finished products. “The programme mentally rejuvenated me as I thought I could do nothing in this physical condition,” said Sivadasan of Kuttikattoor, who is suffering from spinal disorder following an accident 10 years ago. “I made 100 umbrellas this year,” he added. Sivadasan, who got training in umbrella making from the IPM, is now working as a trainer too. This year, the scarcity of raw materials has affected the manufacture of umbrellas, said Jose Pulimoottil. “The price of one umbrella is `220. The expense to make an umbrella comes at around `170. For us, this is a rehabilitation programme than a business. The umbrellas will be sold through exhibitions to be conducted at schools and colleges where we have Pain and Palliative Care units,” he added. Those who would like to buy umbrella can contact: 9447651158.
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