In an effort to address the challenges faced by persons with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), especially those who are economically challenged and living in rural areas, a pan-India self-help group for persons with spinal cord injuries has been launched by the Spinal Foundation recently.
Indian Spinal Injuries Centre and the first president of the Spinal Foundation Major (Retd.) HPS Ahluwalia said while launching the facility that a spinal cord injury causes irreversible damage to multiple organs leaving a person with lifelong disability.
In the normal course there is no cure for a spine injury; comprehensive rehabilitation and continuous care is the key to living well.
In India, there are several support groups which help people with spine injuries lead a meaningful life but they are not always well equipped in terms of information and ability.
“This necessitated the formation of a group of people living well with the injury, and working for the cause, supported by eminent health professionals in the field,” noted Mr. Ahluwalia.
Meanwhile, the objective of the Foundation is to advocate and facilitate the right to rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury; support and monitor the spread of quality rehabilitation facilities; sensitise and build awareness about spinal cord injuries and its multi-faceted implications and promote accessibility by removing mental and physical barriers.
Mr. Ahluwalia said: “With the help of this foundation we aspire to improve the quality of rehabilitation and guide persons with spinal cord injuries to lead a dignified healthy life of dignity.”
