Patna: AIIMS Patna on Friday distributed wheelchairs to six spinal cord injury patients admitted to its Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), as part of a central government scheme aimed at improving mobility and supporting independent living for persons with disabilities.
According to AIIMS Patna, the assistive devices were provided under the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme, an initiative of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
What Happened
The wheelchairs were formally handed over by Executive Director Prof. (Brig.) Raju Agarwal during a programme attended by Dean (Academic) Prof. Punam Prasad Bhadani, Medical Superintendent Prof. Prashant Kumar Singh, Head of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Prof. Sanjay Kumar Pandey, and Deputy Director (Administration) Nilotpal Bal.
Hospital officials said the distribution formed part of ongoing efforts to integrate rehabilitation with medical care for patients recovering from spinal cord injuries.
What the ADIP Scheme Provides
According to the Union government’s guidelines, the ADIP Scheme provides eligible persons with disabilities with scientifically designed assistive devices, including wheelchairs, prostheses and other mobility aids.
The objective of the scheme is to improve functional ability, mobility and independence while reducing the financial burden on beneficiaries requiring rehabilitation equipment.
AIIMS Patna’s Rehabilitation Efforts
Speaking at the event, Agarwal said rehabilitation extends beyond clinical treatment and should focus on helping patients regain independence, dignity and greater participation in society. He also acknowledged the PMR department’s efforts to ensure eligible patients receive appropriate assistive devices.
Pandey said AIIMS Patna has been implementing the ADIP Scheme to provide eligible patients with assistive devices without additional financial cost. He added that the institute is among a limited number of AIIMS hospitals facilitating the distribution of such devices through the central government programme.
According to AIIMS Patna, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will continue to expand patient-centred rehabilitation services through multidisciplinary care, early rehabilitation, assistive technology and community-based reintegration. Hospital authorities said these measures are intended to help persons with disabilities achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life.
