 SAHAI
is the acronym for Social Aid for the Handicapped
And Infirm. In a country which has over 400 lakh disabled
persons, most of whom are found in the economically backward sections
of society, SAHAI was formed to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation
package for them. It is a charitable trust promoted by professionals
and doctors, who have committed themselves to the cause of the handicapped.
Most often these disabled people cannot afford reconstructive surgery
or physiotherapy. Even then, this expensive therapy and surgery does
not provide a complete solution as it does not take care of the patient’s
rehabilitation. To meet this need Dr. Thomas Joseph, a neurosurgeon
of renown; led a group of dedicated doctors and philanthropists to
form the SAHAI Trust. It was decided by this team, that they
would cater to the needs of the disabled persons and help in their
rehabilitation. They have focused their efforts on those paralysed
with spinal injuries.
 The
whole rehabilitation process starts with priority being given at the
beginning to restoring mobility to the affected through restorative
surgery and physiotherapy. Once the disabled gain mobility through
medical attention, they are encouraged and directed towards attending
a vocational training programme. The programmes would be chosen according
to the level of education that they have received. The entire cost
of rehabilitation is free of cost. In the first year of its establishment
alone 30 surgeries were done. SAHAI has leased a facility at J.M.
Hospital, Thagadam Road, where the rehabilitation programme for
patients takes place.
Address: SAHAI Trust, 54, T Nagar, R N Puram, Coimbatore
- 641 045
Phone: (0422) 31 9127.
Author: Joseph Pradeep Raj
Photographs: V Ganesan
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