District Collector O. Anand on Tuesday launched ‘Project Cheyutha’, a humanitarian initiative aimed at providing advanced LN-4 functional prosthetic hands free of cost to individuals who have lost an arm below the shoulder.

Mr. Anand, who is also the president of the Indian Red Cross Society, Anantapur District Branch, formally launched the project by unveiling its poster during a special yoga demonstration organised for Divyangs at the Police Parade Grounds in Anantapur.

The initiative is being implemented jointly by Rotary District 3150, the LN-4 Hand Project and the Indian Red Cross Society (Andhra Pradesh State Branch). Under the programme, high-quality functional prosthetic hands will be provided free of cost to economically disadvantaged persons who have lost a hand.

As part of the project, free prosthetic hand-fitting camps will be conducted in Guntur on August 2, Vizianagaram on August 16 and Anantapur on August 30. Individuals aged four years and above who have lost a hand or upper limb and have a residual stump measuring at least four inches are eligible to avail themselves of the facility.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Anand said the LN-4 prosthetic hand enables users to perform essential mechanical movements required for day-to-day activities. He noted that organising the camp for beneficiaries from the Rayalaseema region in Anantapur would help save both travel time and expenses.

Joint Collector C. Vishnu Charan said the initiative would enhance the confidence of beneficiaries and support them in leading more independent and dignified lives.

Apart from customised prosthetic fittings, beneficiaries will receive training in using the device for daily activities, confidence-building support and assistance in improving their employment prospects.

Eligible persons may register for the programme or seek further information by contacting the Project Cheyutha helpline at 8866306969.