Raise awareness on spinal cord injury: experts
Experts at a discussion have stressed the need for raising awareness on Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and supporting the persons with SCI.
Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) arranged the webinar on Friday, titled "Covid-19 and Spinal Cord Injury: Staying Well", marking fifth World Spinal Cord Injury Day.
Valerie Ann Taylor, founder and coordinator of CRP; Shafiq-ul Islam, executive director, CRP; Prof Dr Fazlul Haque, orthopedic and spine surgeon; Julian Francis, developmental consultant, Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star; and Asif Iqbal Chowdhury, a social worker and former patient of CRP spoke at the discussion.
In her speech, Valerie Taylor focused on the emerging necessity to raise awareness on SCI and supporting them physically and economically.
Shafiq-ul Islam described how CRP continued services in the Covid-19 pandemic and urged other hospitals and centres to continue rehabilitation services following CRP's model.
Dr Fazlul Haque termed CRP a pioneering organisation in Spinal Cord Injury not just in Bangladesh but also in the global context. The centre's service is top-notch and there is room to improve government collaboration and acute care services, because CRP has world-class professionals, he mentioned.
Asif Iqbal Chowdhury, an SCI survivor, said the impact of CRP's service is reflected by patients' satisfaction and empowerment. He also said CRP added years to patients' life.
Mahfuz Anam lauded CRP for working devotedly for the people of Bangladesh regardless of economic status, ethnicity, or physical barriers.
There is very poor awareness of medical professionals and general people on CRP's services and glorious journey, he added.
Julian Francis mentioned the world is facing a unified crisis, but if an organisation like CRP is not supported by the local government, corporate society, or international quarters, its adverse impact will be on the vulnerable population in Bangladesh.
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