Rehab Mela to mark Int’l Day of Persons with Disability

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 2

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) has been promoted by the United Nations (UN) since 1992.

The UN announced “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all” as the annual theme for the day. The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) organised “Rehab Mela 2017’’ to mark the International Day of Persons with Disability on its premises.

While speaking on the occasion, Dr Abraham G Thomas encouraged participants to become aware of disabilities and sufferings of the people affected by them. Sanjeev Talwar, MLA, Ludhiana East, was the chief guest on the occasion. He appreciated the hospital for all providing aid to city residents.

As many as 250 people, including 100 disabled persons, attended the programme at the CMCH. Differently-abled students from Sarva siksha abhayan presented various cultural items, including a puppet show, bhangra, giddha, gatka, dance and songs on the occasion.

Dr Santhosh Mathangi, associate professor and HOD, PMR, stressed on making the world disabled friendly so that everybody could live happily. He said, “Public places like railway station, bus stand, buses, public toilets, banks and ATM counters should be disabled friendly. In India 10 to 15 per cent population (approximately 10 million) is disabled.”

“There 400 rehab specialists in the country. Presently, only three rehab specialists are working in Punjab. Measures must be taken to increase their number in our state,” he added.