New Delhi, [India] 1 September, 2025: 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 commencement of the fifth edition of National Injury Prevention Week (September 1-7). This event, organized with the support 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.
For the implementation of this initiative, Spinal Cord Society (SCS), Spine Wellness & Care Foundation (SWCF), Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI) and Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute are collaborating with Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA), Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), Indian Head Injury Foundation (IHIF), Indian Academy of Neurology (IAN), Amar Seva Sangam, Chandigarh Spine Rehab, Spine Society- Delhi Chapter, The Association of People with Disability, Soulfree, Nina Foundation and The Spinal Foundation (TSF) to organize the awareness program across India.
Throughout the week, spine care experts, alongside the14 national spine care societies from across the country, will engage 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.
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.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Dr Krishan Kumar, Directorate General of Health Services, who underscored the significance of injury prevention and rehabilitation in their addresses.
Dr. Harvinder Singh Chhabra, Director, Department 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 will highlight the courage and determination of individuals with spinal cord injuries, who excel despite their challenges. It will also provide an opportunity to reinforce the age-old dictum ‘prevention is better than cure’. 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.”He further added “At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, we are committed towards advancing inclusive healthcare practices to ensure that every individual living with SCI is given the dignity, opportunities and the care they truly deserve. We are very proud to be the healthcare partners for SCI Day 2025. Spinal Cord Injuries are not only the medical injuries they are the life changing experiences which requires long term support, awareness and rehabilitation. Today’s event is the testament to strength and resilience of this community.”
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.
Before the week-long observance, there were pre-events with online poster competition on “Prevention of Spinal Cord Injuries” and a slogan competition titled “Yes We Can” on 29th August and a webinar on 30th August on “Making Life of the Spinal Cord Injured Happy, Meaningful, and Worth Living,” featuring experts from various fields.
The week long activities will see a “Nukkad Natak” on 1st September and a Webinar on “Power of the Mind,” on 2ndSeptember exploring the psychological aspects of injury recovery.
On September 3rd, SCI Day will be celebrated in hybrid mode at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, with talks on spinal cord injury awareness, inclusive dance performances, and wheelchair activities. On 4thSeptember there will be a panel discussion on “Injury Prevention” involving experts from across the country and on 5th September there will be a Wheel Chair Rally in Paschim Vihar in which more than 100 wheelchair users and 200 other participants will take part. The observance will continued on September 6th with an online audio-visual presentation on SCI prevention.
National Injury Prevention Week 2025 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.
