COIMBATORE: As many as 700 patients have successfully undergone treatment for spinal injuries, according to Dr. S. Rajasekaran, Chairman of Ganga Hospitals.

Speaking at a function, where Ganga Spine Injury Rehabilitation Centre, along with Rotary Club of Coimbatore Saicity, launched SASTRA (Saicity aid for Spinal Treatment and Rehabilitation), he said the rehabilitation centre, that was started in 2014 at Kavundampalayam at a cost of Rs. 3.5 crores, was the largest in the country. “So far we have treated 700 spinal injuries and rehabilitated 56 patients who came to us for treatment related to spinal cord. The aim of the centre is to make the patients independent,” he said and added that the centre was also providing vocational training to the patients.

“In the next two years, 100 patients will be rehabilitated under the project,” Dr. Rajasekaran added.

Outlining the role played by members of Rotary Club, philanthropists in the mission, he said more than two lakh people suffer spinal injuries due to accidents, falls and during sporting activities in India. “Such injuries should be treated at the early stage. Otherwise it will lead to various complications such as urinary infection, lung infection and pressure sore that may end in untimely death,” he added.

According to him, the Rs. 30 lakh contribution from Global Grant by Rotary International helped treating 40 patients.

In his address, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner K. Periaiah said the rehabilitation centre would be of great help to poor people. “More than one lakh people suffer spinal cord injuries due to accidents,” he said.
“SASTRA has been involved in doing community services for last 26 years. We also have project called ‘Joy of Giving’ – where children below 15 years of age are provided with treatment for heart-related ailments,” said SASTRA Chairman V. Gopalakrishnan.