To alleviate the suffering and instil confidence in parents in dealing with differently abled children a model “Early Intervention Centre- Prayas” has been established at Army Hospital (Research & Referral). The “Early Intervention Centre” is a comprehensive state-of-the-art facility which is dedicated to the children with special needs. Children of Armed Forces personnel upto six years of age suffering from autism, cerebral palsy, sleep and language delay and other disabilities will benefit immensely from this venture. The Centre was inaugurated by Mrs Archana Pande, President, Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) in the presence of Gen Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff on 12 September 2022 at the Army Hospital (R&R). The event was also attended by Surg Vice Admiral Rajat Datta, Director General Armed Forces Medical Service (DGAFMS).
The newly established Centre has facilities of advanced screening for hearing and visual defects, detection of Autism, clinical identification of various syndromes and therapeutic facilities like Special Education, Sensory Integration Occupational and Physiotherapy, Behaviour Modification and Nutritional Guidance. It is integrated with Vatsalya, a paediatric super speciality discipline, which has been redesigned with a child friendly Walt Disney theme. A multi-disciplinary approach combining expertise of various therapists will work together to enhance the capabilities of the special children.
Army Hospital (R&R) provides tertiary care referral facilities and is the Centre of Excellence in various subspecialties. Addition of EIC “Prayas” will help in early diagnosis and institution of necessary therapeutic interventions to differently abled children during the best window of opportunity, which is between birth and 6 years of age. This Centre will achieve a quantum leap in therapeutic outcome of children with developmental delay and thereby aims to achieve immense improvement in caregiver satisfaction.
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SC/RSR/VBY
