Dedicated Neuro-Oncology Rehabilitation Centre for Patients with Brain and Spinal Tumours
In a monumental step towards holistic cancer rehabilitation, the Indian Cancer Society (ICS) and Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) have inaugurated a state-of-the-art, dedicated Neuro-Oncology Rehabilitation Centre on the second floor of the ICS Rehabilitation Centre in Parel, Mumbai, today. This initiative marks ICS’s 75th year and represents an expansion of services at its rehabilitation centre, the first of its kind in the country.
The state-of-the-art facility was officially inaugurated in the presence of distinguished guests, President of the Asian Society for Neuro-Oncology (ASNO) Dr. Rakesh Jalali and President of the Indian Society of Neuro-Oncology (ISNO) Dr. Dattatraya Muzumdar, along with other dignitaries from ICS and TMH.
The newly inaugurated facility goes beyond conventional physical and occupational therapy by introducing advanced virtual sensory environments and a dedicated cognitive laboratory. It also provides holistic rehabilitation support through ICS services to help patients and survivors regain independence and reintegrate into their families, communities and daily lives.
This specialised centre will address complex neurological and functional challenges-including spatial neglect, balance disturbances and altered sensory processing-associated with brain and spinal tumours.
The centre follows a multidisciplinary care model that integrates advanced physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, audiology, and cognitive rehabilitation, along with training in activities of daily living, all under one roof.
Tata Memorial Centre Director (Academics) Dr. Laskar, said on the occasion, ‘At Tata Memorial Centre, we believe that comprehensive cancer care extends beyond treating the disease to restoring function, independence, and quality of life. Patients with brain and spinal tumours may experience complex physical, cognitive, communication, and psychosocial challenges during and after treatment. The establishment of ‘Amrit Sparsh’ reflects our commitment to strengthening this continuum of care by bringing specialized neuro-oncology rehabilitation within the framework of comprehensive cancer care.’
ICS Secretary and Managing Trustee Mrs. Usha Throat stated, ‘ICS is committed to improving the quality of life of patients and addressing their complex needs through this specialized centre.’
Tata Memorial Hospital’s Dr. Aliasgar Moiyadi emphasised, ‘Successful treatment of brain or spinal tumours goes beyond controlling the disease; it also involves helping patients regain function, independence, and quality of life. ‘Amrit Sparsh’ brings together specialised rehabilitation services to address physical, cognitive, speech, swallowing, and other challenges, supporting patients in their recovery and return to daily life.’
The centre will provide psychosocial and counselling support through dedicated mental health professionals and support groups. Yoga and vocational rehabilitation will further strengthen the centre’s comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.
The centre will ensure affordable accessibility in line with the mission of both institutions. Rehabilitation services will be provided free of cost to underprivileged patients and heavily subsidised for others, with services delivered by specialised therapists trained in these areas.
(Source: PIB)