Patna: AIIMS Patna has launched an ambitious International Week of Persons with Disabilities (IPWD) 2025, combining awareness drives, community engagement, rehabilitation services and expert-led training to strengthen disability rights and support systems across Bihar.
The initiative, which runs from November 29 to December 4, is aligned with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed globally on December 3 to uphold the rights, dignity and achievements of persons with disabilities.
Dignitaries Lead Inaugural Day at AIIMS Patna
A special programme on December 1 was organised by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR). The event was led by Prof (Brig.) Dr Raju Agarwal, Executive Director of AIIMS Patna, who attended as Chief Patron.
He was joined by senior officials and national experts, including:
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Bandhna Preysi, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar
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Dr Sanjay Wadhwa, HoD, PMR, AIIMS New Delhi
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Prof (Dr) Naveen Kumar, HoD, PMR, JIPMER Puducherry
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Prof (Dr) Poonam Prasad Bhadani, Dean Academic
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Prof (Dr) Sanjay Pandey, Dean Research
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Prof (Dr) Ruchi Sinha, Dean Student Affairs
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Prof (Dr) Manoj Kumar, Dean Examination
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Prof (Dr) Anup Kumar, Medical Superintendent
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Neelotpal Bal, Deputy Director (Administration)
Several persons with disabilities and their families also attended, sharing their experiences with the Institute leadership. Dr Agarwal emphasised that “your inner strength is your greatest power,” encouraging participants to continue striving for independence and equal opportunity.
Assistive Devices Distributed to Beneficiaries
In a key outreach effort, AIIMS Patna distributed:
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10 wheelchairs
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6 prosthetic limbs
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6 orthoses
Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation, calling the support life-changing and essential for mobility and daily functioning.
Capacity-Building Workshop to Reform Disability Certification
A major academic highlight of this year’s programme was a one-day national capacity-building workshop. Leading PMR experts from across India participated, with the aim of making disability assessment and certification in Bihar more:
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scientific,
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transparent, and
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uniform.
Organisers said the initiative will help ensure that “every person with disability receives accurate certification and the right rehabilitation services, without delay or discrimination.”
A Tradition of Advocacy at AIIMS Patna
AIIMS Patna’s PMR department has been observing IPWD Week every year with sustained commitment to:
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disability awareness,
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counselling and rehabilitation,
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community participation, and
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inclusion-focused engagement.
This year’s programme includes health consultation camps, public awareness events, outreach sessions and specialised training.
The inaugural ceremony was coordinated by Dr Sanyal Kumar, Co-organising Secretary. Dr Anjani Kumar, Organising Secretary, delivered both the welcome address and concluding remarks.
