Delhi: Army Hospital gets 'Early Intervention Centre-Prayas'

New Delhi: An Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in the national capital has recently received its new "Early Intervention Centre- Prayas". This program aims to alleviate parents' suffering and instill confidence in them regarding their differently-abled children.

The "Early Intervention Centre" is a comprehensive state-of-the-art facility which is dedicated to children with special needs. Children of Armed Forces personnel up to six years of age suffering from autism, cerebral palsy, sleep and language delay, and other disabilities will benefit immensely from this venture.

Early intervention is a system of services that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention focuses on helping eligible babies and toddlers learn the basic and brand-new skills that typically develop during the first three years of life.

Also read- Early Intervention For Physical Comorbidity In Patients With Mental Illness Reduces Premature Mortality

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 of General Armed Forces Medical Service (DGAFMS). 

The newly established Centre has facilities for 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 the expertise of various therapists will work together to enhance the capabilities of special children.

Army Hospital (R&R) provides tertiary care referral facilities and is the Centre of Excellence in various subspecialties. The addition of EIC "Prayas" will help in early diagnosis and institution of necessary therapeutic interventions for 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 outcomes for children with developmental delay and thereby aims to achieve immense improvement in caregiver satisfaction.

Also read- District Early Intervention Centre Established At Nerchowk Medical College