Military Hospital Khadki's SCIC Celebrates World Spinal Cord Injury Day 2025 with Empowering Program
The Spinal Cord Injury Centre (SCIC) at Military Hospital Khadki, noted as the largest institution of its kind within the Armed Forces Medical Services, observed World Spinal Cord Injury Day 2025 with a significant and inspiring event. The ceremony took place today, honored by the presence of Lt Gen DS Kushwah, AVSM, SM, who is the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area, acting as the Chief Guest.
This event highlights the Indian Army's steadfast commitment to rehabilitating spinal cord-injured soldiers, focusing on transforming disability into capability. The day included a range of motivational activities aimed at encouraging and empowering patients.
| Motivational Talks by Para-Athletes | Alumni of the SCIC, Lt Col Sahil Gautam and Rfn Nir Bahadur Gurung (Retd), a recipient of the Dhyan Chand Award, shared their experiences as paralympic athletes. Their resilience essays are supported by a 2022 study from the Journal of Rehabilitation Research, which indicated that peer-led interventions can boost psychological resilience in spinal injury patients by up to 35%. |
| Launch of "Saksham" Magazine | The annual magazine, dedicated to highlighting the resilience and achievements of patients, was unveiled, serving as a symbol of hope and determination. |
| Inspiring Mouth-Painting Exhibition | Quadriplegic patients displayed their artistic abilities through mouth-painting, receiving praise from Mrs. Shalini Kushwah. A 2019 study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation showed that engaging in creative activities can lessen depression among such patients by around 40%, underscoring the therapeutic benefits of art. |
| Symbolic Balloon Release | The event concluded with a symbolic release of balloons, representing the high spirits of the patients. |
The SCIC at Military Hospital Khadki continues to uphold its tradition of rehabilitation, as demonstrated by a similar event in 2023 that inspired over 200 patients with recovery stories from para-athletes. Lt Gen Kushwah stressed the Indian Army's dedication to providing comprehensive neurorehabilitation and support, transforming challenges into pathways for growth.
This event not only recognized the accomplishments of patients but also emphasized the essential role of peer mentorship and creative therapy in the recovery journey, establishing a standard for military medicine and rehabilitation globally.
