APD Marks 25 Years of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Bengaluru, September 18, 2026: APD’s Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation (SCIR) Programme has marked 25 years of rehabilitation services, bringing together government leaders, policymakers, clinicians, hospitals, researchers, donors, corporate partners and persons with lived experience of spinal cord injury (SCI) in Bengaluru.
The milestone was observed during Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month through an event titled “Celebrating 25 Years of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation” at Dwaraka Auditorium, Ramaiah Medical College. APD’s SCIR centre is among 10 dedicated spinal cord injury rehabilitation centres in the country, according to the organisation.
The event focused on the evolution of SCI rehabilitation in India and the wider support systems required for people with spinal cord injuries to rebuild their lives beyond clinical rehabilitation.
The programme featured a five-zone immersive exhibition tracing the SCI rehabilitation journey from injury to independence. It also included the launch of three publications: 25 Years, 25 Stories, Caring with Confidence, and the SCI APD Situation Report.
Three panel discussions examined SCI rehabilitation in India, welfare gaps faced by persons with SCI and the need for a National SCI Social Registry. The discussions brought together stakeholders from across the rehabilitation and healthcare ecosystem.
A recognition ceremony was also held to acknowledge beneficiaries, caregivers, staff, donors, and government and hospital partners associated with the programme over its 25-year journey.
Another key feature was the National SCI Registry Wall signing, through which institutions were invited to commit to developing a mapped SCI population in India.
The event was attended by Chief Guest Shri U.T. Khader, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka.
The 25-year milestone highlighted the need for a broader SCI support ecosystem involving healthcare institutions, government agencies, researchers, donors, corporate partners and persons with lived experience.
