The state’s first exclusive rehabilitation centre for spinal cord injury patients is all set to come up in Kozhikode city.
Sources in State Social Security Mission (SSM) which is the implementing agency for the proposed facility said the Centre has been conceived at a total cost of about Rs 6 crore.
“We’d sought funds to the tune of Rs 5.73 crore to implement the project. But, we’ve been allocated a sum of Rs 4 crore. We’re hopeful of getting more funds as the project progresses,” SSM sources told Deccan Chronicle.
The rehabilitation centre which would also function as a state-of-the-art training institute for doctors and therapists specializing in spinal cord injuries requires a minimum 5 acre land. “In the last meeting, Kozhikode district panchayat offered us the land. So, it’s now almost settled,” said sources.
The exclusive rehabilitation centre which would be an ideal mix of allopathy and ayurveda branches of medicine would be capable of treating 250 bed-ridden patients at a time.
The rehabilitation centre has been conceived as a world-class facility and will enlist the services of experts in the field.
“It’ll have separate male and female wards, extensive library, resource persons’ rooms and conference halls among others. It’ll be the last word when it comes to rehabilitation of people suffering from spinal cord injuries,” sources said.
The Centre will provide free treatment irrespective of one’s economic background. Priority, however, would be given to Below Poverty Line (BPL) people and destitute.
SSM sources said the state which is home to a large number of spinal cord injury patients doesn’t have such a facility as of now.
“We’ve estimated that the state has 35,000 people who’re bed-ridden due to spinal cord injuries. At least, 20 to 25 per cent could be treated effectively. But, they remain immobile due to the absence of such a facility and high treatment cost elsewhere,” sources said.
Most patients suffered injuries after falling from trees, high rise building or in road accidents. It’s learnt the project would become functional by end 2013.