Self-help group to advocate rights of people with spinal injury

Advocating and facilitating the right to rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injuries, a pan-India self-help group was launched here Monday.

An initiative of the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, the Spinal Foundation intends to address the challenges faced by people with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), especially the economically challenged, and those living in rural areas.

"For more than 60 years now, we have witnessed instances of SCI. However, there has been no concerted effort to push for an improved quality of life for persons with SCI at national level," H.P.S. Ahluwalia, founder and chairman of the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, said.

"With the help of this foundation we aspire to improve the quality of rehabilitation and guide persons with spinal cord injuries to a healthy life of dignity," he added.

The foundation will also support and monitor the spread of quality rehabilitation facilities; sensitise and build awareness about SCI and its multi-faceted implications and promote accessibility by removing mental and physical barriers.

The launch also commemorates the birth anniversary of Padma Shri Mary Varghese, who set up India's first specialised centre for rehabilitation.