The Hans Foundation, AIIMS collaborate to set up Early Childhood Development and Neurorehabilitation Centre

This is a novel multidisciplinary initiative to provide children with facilities to reach their maximum developmental potential based on their capabilities. The initiative aims to benefit around 10,000-12,000 children every year.

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Currently, the overall prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in India is about 12% with around one-fifth of them having more than one NDDs. Around 45% of these children with NDDs are estimated to be at risk of poor development due to a lack of identification and access to treatment.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr Sandeep J Kapur, CEO, The Hans Foundation said, “We at THF are committed to the empowerment of people with disabilities and help them lead independent and productive lives in their communities through holistic interventions. Our initiative with AIIMS “Holding Hand in Magical Years” aims to address this issue through a state-of-the-art facility that will be implemented where screening and early identification of children with developmental delay and other neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disability (SLD) will be done along with administration of early intervention and supportive services constituting multidisciplinary care. Our end goal is to ensure that people with disability enjoy a meaningful life in an inclusive society with high humanistic values.”

This is a joint effort of THF and AIIMS which will be directly implemented by THF under technical and monitoring support from AIIMS inside the AIIMS campus. Prof Sheffali Gulati is the nodal officer from AIIMS for this project. The program will also include experts from different disciplines who will be providing the best course of services to each individual.

Professor M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS said, “Several disabling or medical conditions and deterioration can be managed and their implication on life can be reduced if there is a comprehensive/intensive care system to screen, detect and intervene with possible solutions at the right time in the paradigm of ensuring dignity and humanistic values. The services provided will be customized as per the child’s individual needs and would be inclusive of complete assessment and evaluation in a holistic manner.

It will also include a range of multidisciplinary services such as speech and language services, counselling and training for the family, diagnosis and treatment, nursing services, nutrition services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services. There will be additional supportive services such as provision of assistive aids through the ADIP scheme or THF, training of caregivers, handy tools for parents for home-based interventions, community engagement and monitoring.”

The MoU was signed at AIIMS, New Delhi on 1st July 2023 in the presence of AIIMS representatives Prof M Srinivas, Director, Prof Minu Bajpai, Dean, Academics, Mr N K Sharma, Senior Financial Advisor, Dr Anoop Kr Daga, Hospital Administration, Prof. Sheffali Gulati, Faculty in Charge, Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Prof Pankaj Hari Department of Pediatrics and THF representatives Mr Sandeep J Kapur, CEO, The Hans Foundation and Ms Shabina Bano, Sr Programme Manager, The Hans Foundation.

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