A mastectomy is performed in cases of breast cancer and involves partial or complete surgical removal of one or both breasts.

Dr Pawan Mehrotra, a biochemist breast cancer researcher, observed that many women felt the surgery compromised their identity. To address this issue, he devised a low-cost innovation called ‘Poorti’.

The portable kit comprises a lightweight silicone breast prosthesis, two pocketed brassieres, two breast prosthesis covers, one prosthesis holder, and one outer waterproof kit. It is priced at Rs 4,500 and increases based on the size of the prosthesis.

All a patient has to do is keep the breast prosthesis inside the cotton cover and place the cover inside the pocket bra.

Sharing what prompted him to think of this solution, Dr Mehrotra shares instances that led him to discover how women were “embarrassed to be in public” following a mastectomy.

“While our market does have imported silicone breast options, it has limitations. The high prices eliminate the low and middle-income groups. Plus, they are heavy-weight,” he says.

In a bid to help breast cancer patients cope with the emotional turmoil, Dr Mehrotra started his social enterprise Aarna Biomedical Products. Dr Mehrotra and his team finally cracked the manufacturing process after 3-4 years of rigorous hard work.

The social enterprise also offers home service in a few locations, where a female staff visits the patient’s house with a trial kit in their size. When they like it, they place an order.