PRESS RELEASE
Srinagar, September 5, 2026: The Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), Bemina, Srinagar, observed World Spinal Cord Injury Day 2026 by organising an awareness rally and an auditorium programme, including a wheelchair distribution camp, with a focus on spinal cord injury prevention, rehabilitation, inclusion and empowerment.
The programme also marked the beginning of Spinal Week, being observed by VMS from September 5 to 12, 2026, under the theme “From Awareness to Action: Ten Years Advancing SCI Prevention.”
The day’s programme commenced with the assembly of participants for the awareness rally at VMS, Bemina and flag-off of the awareness rally by Prof. Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Rather HoD department of General SKIMS Medical College Bemina and Dr. Farooq A Kaloo, secretary Voluntary Medicare Society.
The rally, conducted from VMS, Bemina, towards the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Bemina, raised awareness about the prevention of spinal cord injuries and promoted the inclusion, dignity and rights of persons living with spinal cord injuries. Participants carried the message of “Prevention, Inclusion, Empowerment” and encouraged the community to adopt measures to prevent spinal injuries.
The rally was welcomed by the Director Health services kashmir and praised the efforts of Voluntary Medicare Society for rehabilitation of Spinal Cord Injury Patients.
The auditorium programme commenced with the welcome address was delivered by the President, VMS Prof. Dr. Mir Mohammad Maqbool followed by an address by the Vice President, VMS Prof. Masooda Yasin
Dr. M. Ayoub Bhat delivered a presentation on the holistic rehabilitation programme for persons with spinal cord injuries at VMS, highlighting the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation and coordinated support for persons with spinal cord injuries.
The programme also included certificate distribution to visually impaired students who have completed their 3 month computer fundamental course, followed by a wheelchair distribution programme for persons with spinal cord injuries and other beneficiaries requiring mobility support. The initiative aimed at enhancing mobility, independence and participation of persons with disabilities in the community.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Secretary, VMS, Dr. Farooq A Kaloo who thanked all the dignitaries , stakeholders participants and event organizers for making this initiative successful.
VMS will continue its Spinal Week observance from September 5 to 12, with a series of activities aimed at strengthening awareness about spinal cord injury prevention, rehabilitation, accessibility, inclusion and the rights and dignity of persons living with spinal cord injuries.
Together, let’s prevent spinal cord injuries and create an inclusive tomorrow.
