Multipurpose disability rehabilitation centre to open at district hospital in Dehradun
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Dehradun will soon get a multipurpose District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) in the district hospital premises, bringing major relief to persons with disabilities. The centre is being set up to provide all necessary services under one roof, from certification to artificial limbs and counselling, the Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal said.
He informed that the decision to establish the centre was taken during a district executive committee meeting on June 25. To ensure practical access and long-term sustainability, the district hospital was selected as the permanent site.
A joint inspection team, including chief medical superintendent Dr Manu Jain and social welfare officer Deepankar Ghildiyal found a hall and a room under the Gandhi Shatabdi Eye Hospital suitable for the centre’s operation. Following the inspection, instructions were issued to begin cleaning, electrical work, furniture arrangements and basic repairs without delay.
Bansal informed that the centre will offer integrated services such as disability certification, distribution of assistive devices like artificial limbs and hearing aids, physiotherapy, psychological counselling and social support. The Social Welfare department will oversee its operation.
The DM stated that the DDRC aligns with the State government’s objective to provide inclusive and accessible public services. Previously, the centre operated near Herbertpur with a sub-centre at Sanatan Dharm Kanya Inter College on Raja Road, which caused inconvenience due to the split in services. To resolve this, all services will now be provided at a single location. The centre will be run by a voluntary organisation as per Government of India guidelines.
The DM informed that 14 sanctioned positions for staff have been approved, with salaries funded by the Social Welfare department. He said that once registered, beneficiaries will undergo medical, educational, psychological and social assessments, after which they will receive appropriate support and guidance via DDRC. Assistive aids such as wheelchairs, tricycles and hearing devices will be distributed as required. Skill development and vocational training will also be offered to enable economic independence and link them with self-employment schemes.
He said that the centre will connect persons with disabilities to government services such as UDID cards, pensions and scholarships. Awareness campaigns will also be organised to promote public understanding and acceptance.
A multidisciplinary team comprising physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and counsellors will work to ensure comprehensive support. Bansal instructed officials to complete preparations at the proposed site promptly and start operations at the earliest.
