OPD service launched at autism care centre

The Advanced Autism Care and Research Centre in Sector 79 here today started OPD service to mark World Autism Awareness Day.

After launching the services, Punjab Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and Research Dr Balbir Singh said the centre would emerge as the best institution in the state for the treatment of children with autism as well as development of their talent.

The OPD services started with speech, sensory integration and play therapies. The clinical assessment room will be expanded. Advanced services and research will elevate this centre as a pioneer institution of Punjab, said the minister.

Facilities such as training sessions and hostel will also be started at the centre in the coming days. Giving an example of children with autism, he said everyone is aware of the fame of Elon Musk and Thomas Edison today. One is earning fame as a successful businessman in the world and the other had proved his brilliance by inventing the light bulb.

Both suffered from autism.

The Health Minister said the full functioning of this centre would help in providing treatment required for such children from all over Punjab and in preparing them to face the challenges of society.

He appreciated the initiative taken by Dr BR Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences in running this centre. The Department of Medical Education and Research will provide all possible support for its success, he added.

Dr Balbir Singh said the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, would equip the centre with all kinds of amenities. He asked the officials concerned to complete the remaining work on priority.