Health Care Next - World Class Rehabilitation Services

Abstract

India has the second highest population. Coupled with this burgeoning population we have high incidence of poverty and diseases. Quality of life of people is directly linked to quality of healthcare services available. Healthcare covers not only government, municipal and private hospitals, nursing homes and clinics, but also rehabilitation. India is poised to become a hub for medical tourism in the near future. Healthcare is the fastest growing sector, growing at the rate of 13%-15% p.a and is a Rs. 1,50,000 crores industry. No doubt we have high number of qualified doctors and para- medical staff. Somehow, rehabilitation, post hospital surgery and care has not been given the status it deserves. This article traces the need for specific quality rehabilitation services in India with a focus on Spinal Cord Injury. Spinal Cord Injury is break up in the line of communication between the brain and the muscle due to damage to the Spinal cord, leading to either Quadriplegia (Paralysis neck down) or Paraplegia (Paralysis waist down). It significantly alters every aspect of a person’s life. The article compares the western countries like USA and UK, etc the rehab centres models prevalent there and the need to replicate the same in this country.