• Reduce Handicap - Restore Lives

About Us

Operation Restore is an initiative by Rotary District 3141 in which Burns patients are surgically treated to correct functional, non-cosmetic deformities and contractures, reducing the patients’ disabilities and improving their quality of life.

 

This unique tri-annual free surgery camps started in 2011, jointly by Rotary Dist. 3141 and the National Burns Centre and are coordinated by Rotary Club of Deonar & Rotary Club of Bombay North.
The camps were organized as part of Operation SMILE, with a visiting team of international and Indian surgeons and specialists till 2011.
Since 2011 the free surgery camps have been held thrice a year (once every 4 months – except during the Pandemic).
The camps are funded by a Global Grant from Rotary International,  with support from Rotary District 3141 and The National Burns Centre (NBC).

Why Operation Restore – The Problem of Burns

  • Estimated burn incidence in India is approximately 6-7 million per year. (The second largest group of injuries after road accidents.)
  • Nearly 10 % of these are life threatening and require hospitalization. Approximately 50% of those hospitalized succumb to their injuries.
  • Nearly 2.8 lakh people get crippled and require multiple reconstructive surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation therapy.
  • 70% of the burn survivors are in the most productive age group of 15 – 40 years and most belong to poor socioeconomic strata.
  • Burns are amongst the leading causes of disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs) lost in low-income and middle-income homes.
  • The high cost of treatment and rehabilitation prevents most burn survivors from getting timely and specialized treatment.
  • Burn injuries have indirect costs which include lost wages, prolonged care for deformities, emotional trauma, commitment of family resources all contributing to the socioeconomic impact.
  • Approximately 17% of children with burns have a temporary disability and 18% have a permanent disability.
  • Burns occur mainly in the home and workplace. Children and women are usually burned in domestic kitchens and men are most likely to be burned in the workplace.
  • Absence of organized burn care at primary and secondary level health care level coupled with low awareness on how to treat burns amongst the population makes the situation grim.
  • 90% of burns are preventable. A combination of prevention strategies and improvements in the care of people affected with burns is needed.

About Operation Restore – Salient Features

  • Free surgery camps conducted Three times a year (once every 4 months) to correct functional deformities of Burn survivors.
  • Surgeries conducted by teams of specialized surgeons and doctors from across India, along with experienced and efficient medical teams comprising of nurses, administrative and support staff.
  • The camps have a balanced focus on curative and rehabilitative aspects of the burn survivors
  • Pre-Operation:Patients are selected based on their case history / severity.
    There is an emphasis on helping patients who would otherwise not have access to this level of medical care (low-income and lower-middle-income families)
    Types of contractures treated include neck, axillary, hand, elbow, greater toe, and web space contractures.
    Preparation of logistics for surgeries is supported by Rotary Club volunteers
  • Post Operation care:Regular dressing and pain management
    Physiotherapy – in-house and out-patient (post discharge)
    Regular counselling sessions to assist with emotional trauma, medical queries, and improving awareness
  • Supported by Rotary International via a Global Grant, Operation Restore has a balanced focus on preventive, curative and rehabilitative aspects of burn injuries.

Operation Restore – Facts

  • Started in 2011, this initiative has benefitted over 750 burn survivors and their families spread across India.

  • In the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 free surgeries for burn survivors were conducted through the year (as per need) under the Operation Restore banner.

  • The 25th Operation Restore camp will be held on March 30 & 31, 2024

  • The free surgery camps are held thrice a year (once every 4 months) at the National Burns Centre, Sector 14, Airoli, Navi Mumbai

  • Throughout the year patients are identified and assessed by a team of specialized doctors at the NBC and volunteers of various Rotary Clubs with Rotary Club of Deonar and Rotary Club of Bombay North leading the initiative.

  • Close to 30 patients are operated on at each free surgical camp. This number ensures optimum care and attention during the pre and post operation processes.

  • NBC provides hospital space, fully equipped operation theatres, dedicated hospital wards, qualified surgeons, doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists, paramedical and administrative staff at no cost.

  • NBC also has a dedicated dormitory for the relatives / care givers who accompany the patients, at no cost.

  • No doctor (visiting and in-house) charges any fees for surgery at these camps.

  • Pre-camp screening is conducted from Monday to Friday between 2 pm and 4 pm at the National Burns Centre, Sector 13, Airoli, Navi Mumbai.