To meet the needs of spinal cord injured patients (PwSCI), the Union Government has pledged to establish ISIC-like centers in multiple states.

During an address at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, announced an allocation of Rs 844 crore from 2021 to 2025 for infrastructure development and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

This funding will assist states in establishing ISIC-like centers under the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SIPDA).

Additionally, ISIC has initiated inclusive programs ahead of World Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Day on September 5, including a Wheelchair Rally, Nukkad Natak (street play), Wheelchair Inclusive Dance, and free health checkups, which were actively participated in by hundreds of PwSCI.

Dr Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services at ISIC, welcomed guests and expressed support for the cause, stating,

“SCI Day, observed annually on September 5, aims to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries and advocate for an inclusive society for SCI patients. We firmly believe that a spinal cord injury is not a full stop but merely a comma in life. Thus, we endorse the creation of a more inclusive society for our SCI patients.”

In pursuit of inclusivity, Ms. Sugandh Ahluwalia, Chief Strategy Officer, urged active recruitment of PwSCI and other disabled individuals at ISIC, directing interested candidates to contact HR for placements.

Bholi Ahluwalia, ISIC Chairperson, emphasized the importance of holistic solutions for spinal cord injuries, prioritizing universal accessibility and coordinated efforts across sectors to prevent accidents and ensure rehabilitation for 1.5 million people with spinal cord injuries, fostering a more inclusive society.