To building an inclusive society, the Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the establishment of ISIC-like centres across states, catering to the needs of people with spinal cord injuries.
Rajeev Sharma, joint secretary at the department of empowerment of persons with disabilities under the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment, shared the details during his address as the chief guest at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC).
Sharma highlighted the allocation of Rs 844 crore for the period from 2021 to 2025 to create infrastructure and empower persons with disabilities. The financial support will be extended to states under the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 for the establishment of ISIC-like centers.
The ISIC, in a runner-up to World Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Day on September 5, has initiated a series of inclusive programs aimed at raising awareness. The program at ISIC for SCI Day 2023 commenced with a wheelchair rally, street play, wheelchair inclusive dance, and free health checkups. The wheelchair rally witnessed participation from hundreds of people with spinal cord injuries on wheelchairs, flagged off by the chief guest and dignitaries.
Dr. Vikas Tandon, chief of Spine Services at ISIC, said, “SCI Day, celebrated annually on September 5, serves to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries and advocate for a more inclusive society for SCI patients. We firmly believe that a spinal cord injury is not a full stop in life but merely a comma. Hence, we strongly endorse the creation of a more inclusive society for our SCI patients.”
Towards the goal of fostering inclusivity, Sugandh Ahluwalia, chief strategy officer, encouraged individuals to spread the word that ISIC is actively seeking to employ individuals with people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities for suitable positions. She urged interested candidates to reach out to the Human Resources Department for placement opportunities.
Bholi Ahluwalia, chairperson of ISIC, emphasized the institution’s role as a comprehensive solution provider for SCI patients, aligning with this year’s SCI Day theme, “Access to SCI Services: A Life Less Complicated.” This theme underscores the urgent need for holistic solutions to address catastrophic spinal cord injuries and promote a more inclusive society for SCI patients.
The pursuit of universal accessibility for SCI patients remains a top priority. Coordinated efforts involving various departments, including law enforcement, civil society, healthcare institutions, and insurers, are essential to prevent road accidents and ensure comprehensive post-trauma rehabilitation. With 1.5 million people living with spinal cord injuries, the call for a more inclusive society and robust support systems has never been more critical.
