Strap: Centre to provide assistive devices and rehabilitation services to elderly and disabled
HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 26: Marking a significant milestone in strengthening inclusive healthcare infrastructure in the district, a Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Vayoshri Kendra (PMD-VK) was inaugurated on Thursday at RNB Civil Hospital, Kokrajhar. The centre was formally inaugurated by District Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty in the presence of SDO (C) Gossaigaon, Lourembam Nelson Mangangcha, senior officials of the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) and officers of the district administration and health department.
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Addressing the gathering, the District Commissioner stated that the establishment of the centre marks an important milestone for Kokrajhar district and will play a crucial role in promoting dignity, independence and inclusion for persons with disabilities and elderly citizens. DC Pankaj Chakravarty further highlighted that accessibility measures, such as availability of wheelchairs at polling stations and facilitation of home voting for senior citizens during the forthcoming Assembly elections, will also be ensured, thereby strengthening inclusive democratic participation.
During the inaugural programme, assistive devices including tricycles, wheelchairs, hearing aids and other supportive appliances were ceremonially distributed among 35 selected beneficiaries. Notably, this newly established PMD-VK at Kokrajhar is the fourth such centre in Assam and has been set up to provide direct and localised services to eligible beneficiaries under the Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP) Scheme and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) through ALIMCO under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
The initiative for the establishment of the centre in the district began in November last year through the efforts of the then District Commissioner of Kokrajhar, Masanda M. Pertin, in coordination with SDO (C) Gossaigaon and Derhasat Basumatary, EM (Health), BTC, among others, reflecting sustained administrative commitment towards inclusive welfare in the district.
