Wheel Chair Sports @ NCDC for Upcoming Spinal Cord Injury Day & Prevention Week
New Delhi: Though light is visible at the end of long spinal cord injury tunnel, experts still hold that prevention is the best bet so far as spine, most crucial support structure of the body, is concerned. This theme was underlined during wheel chair sports and health check up camp organized at National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on August 31 as a curtain raiser to National Injury Prevention Day ( September 5) & fifth edition of National Injury Prevention Week ( Sep 1- 7).
The event marked the presence of several dignitaries including Dr Krishan Kumar, Directorate General of Health Services, who underscored the significance of injury prevention and rehabilitation in their addresses. At the vanguard of this spine awareness campaign is Dr. Harvinder Singh Chhabra, Director, Department of the Spine and Rehabilitation Centre at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, President of the Spinal Cord Society, Chairman of the Spine Wellness & Care Foundation, and the official coordinator for Injury Prevention Week. Talking to Medicare News at the event, Dr Chhabra stressed the fact that despite much advancement, many innovations and enabling technologies for rehabilitation of paralyzed persons due to spinal cord injuries, prevention is still the gold standard.
He advocated harness for height, seat belts for all in a car or vehicle and other preventive measures to prevent spinal cord injuries. He bemoaned the utter lack of spine awareness in society. Dr Chhabra added that complete reversal of injured spine is a prospect no doubt but prevention is always the best bet. He stressed the need of comprehensive rehabilitation saying that there are chances of complete reversal.
Over 100 wheelchair users and approximately 500 participants took part in the Wheelchair Sports and Cultural Program and Health Checkup camp. This event had the support of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India. The event highlighted the importance of spinal cord injury (SCI) awareness and the need for comprehensive care and rehabilitation.
For the implementation of this initiative, Spinal Cord Society (SCS), Spine Wellness & Care Foundation (SWCF), Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI) and Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute are collaborating with Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA), Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), Indian Head Injury Foundation (IHIF), Indian Academy of Neurology (IAN), Amar Seva Sangam, Chandigarh Spine Rehab, Spine Society- Delhi Chapter, The Association of People with Disability, Soulfree, Nina Foundation and The Spinal Foundation (TSF) to organize the awareness program across India.
Throughout the prevention week, spine care experts, alongside the 14 national spine care societies from across the country, will engage in various activities including outdoor sports, cultural programs, seminars, webinars, and panel discussions to foster awareness and support for individuals affected by injuries including spinal cord injuries.
At the NCDC Auditorium, more than 100 wheelchair users actively participated in a range of sports, including Wheelchair Table Tennis, Boccia, Wheelchair Racing, and Wheelchair Hurdles. Dr. Chhabra, said, “The fourth edition of National Injury Prevention Week will highlight the courage and determination of individuals with spinal cord injuries, who excel despite their challenges. It will also provide an opportunity to reinforce the age-old dictum ‘prevention is better than cure’.
Spinal Cord Injury Day is a reminder of the progress we’ve made in care and rehabilitation, fostering resilience and hope. Our ongoing efforts in prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive management including rehabilitation are vital to improving the quality of life for those affected. We remain committed to advancing spinal care through education, research, and empathetic support, ensuring dignity and fulfillment for all.” He further added “At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, we are committed towards advancing inclusive healthcare practices to ensure that every individual living with SCI is given the dignity, opportunities and the care they truly deserve. We are very proud to be the healthcare partners for SCI Day 2025.
Spinal Cord Injuries are not only the medical injuries they are the life changing experiences which requires long term support, awareness and rehabilitation. Today’s event is the testament to strength and resilience of this community.”
On September 3rd, SCI Day will be celebrated in hybrid mode at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, with talks on spinal cord injury awareness, inclusive dance performances, and wheelchair activities. Wheel Chair Rally in Paschim Bihar on September 5 will be high point of the campaign. The observance will continued on September 6th with an online audio-visual presentation on SCI prevention.
