Over 100 wheelchair users and approximately 500 participants took part in the Wheelchair Sports and Cultural Program and Health Checkup camp at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Auditorium today, commemorating the Spinal Cord Injury Day and marking the conclusion of the fourth edition of National Injury Prevention Week (September 1-7). This event, organized under the aegis of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, highlighted the importance of spinal cord injury (SCI) awareness and the need for comprehensive care and rehabilitation.

Throughout the week, spine care experts, alongside 14 national spine care societies from across the country, engaged 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.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Prof Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, who underscored the significance of injury prevention and rehabilitation in their addresses.

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. An additional 500 participants joined in the event, which also featured an inclusive health check-up camp from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The wheelchair sports activities were held from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, followed by a vibrant cultural program from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, featuring high-energy wheelchair dance performances and professional wheelchair stunts that captivated the audience. The event was also streamed live.

In his official statement, Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, emphasized the importance of Spinal Cord Injury Day: “Spinal Cord Injury Day is a day for remembering the age-old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’, because any number of rehabilitative measures will not bring back the life without disability for any individual. Most people with devastating effects of spinal injuries are young people with a prosperous productive life ahead of them, and also most of these injuries result from completely avoidable accidents. While we may celebrate with wheelchair sports and other events, it is introspection that is required, especially by youth and their parents, to prevent increasing the numbers of such individuals who may require palliative care following a crippling spinal injury. My heart goes out to all of you, and I admire your courage to be able to carry on enthusiastically, but at the same time be brand ambassadors for ‘prevent spinal injury campaign’.”

Dr. Harvinder Singh Chhabra, Chief 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, said, “The fourth edition of National Injury Prevention Week has highlighted the courage and determination of individuals with spinal cord injuries, who excel despite their challenges. 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.”

According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), 16,397 persons lost their lives in road accidents in 2021 due to not wearing seat belts, including 8,438 drivers and 7,959 passengers. This statistic underscores the critical need for continued efforts in injury prevention and safety awareness.

The week-long observance began on September 1st with a webinar on the “Power of the Mind,” exploring the psychological aspects of injury recovery. Day 2 featured an inspiring interaction with Fabian Lentsch, a Red Bull adventure sports expert from Austria, who shared his journey of recovery from a spinal injury sustained during paragliding in Ladakh. The day’s activities also included an online poster competition on “Prevention of Spinal Cord Injuries” and a slogan competition titled “Yes We Can.”

September 3rd saw an online panel discussion on “Making Life of the Spinal Cord Injured Happy, Meaningful, and Worth Living,” featuring experts from various fields. On September 5th, SCI Day was celebrated in hybrid mode at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, with talks on spinal cord injury awareness, inclusive dance performances, and wheelchair activities. The observance continued on September 6th with an online audio-visual presentation on SCI prevention, followed by a webinar on injury prevention.

National Injury Prevention Week 2024 has been an impactful event, bringing together experts, survivors, and the community to promote safety, injury prevention, and the importance of rehabilitation. The initiative has fostered a greater understanding of the challenges faced by those with spinal cord injuries and highlighted the critical role of community support and innovative care in enhancing their quality of life.