World Health Day was celebrated in a very special way at Parmarth Niketan with the inauguration Uttarakhand’s first ever holistic Spinal Injury and Physiotherapy Centre in Rishikesh. The vision to start such a centre took place a few weeks ago when renowned Spine Surgeon and Past President of the Association of Spine Surgeons of India, Dr. Shekar Bhojraj from Mumbai, his wife, Dr. Shilpa Bhojraj and their team came for a trek to the Himalayas. On their trip they were inspired by the various service projects taking place under H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji’s guidance, leadership and vision. They were eager to contribute and held a special spinal camp at the Swami Shukdevanand Charitable Hospital at Parmarth Niketan to serve the local population who could not afford or do not have access to these specialized services. Within a few days they saw over 400 patients and realized very quickly the grave need for a holistic centre that can carry out spine surgeries and provide complete care.
With Pujya Swamiji’s blessings for such a centre, the work for a new Spinal Injury and Physiotherapy Centre at Parmarth Niketan was undertaken. After weeks of dedicated efforts, the first phase of the centre was inaugurated today, equipped with General Physician, Dental, Eye, Ayurvedic, Acupuncture, Physiotherapy OPDs, as well as an Operation Theater, Pathological Laboratory and Pharmacy. On the occasion were present Dr. CL Kohli, Senior General Physician Kohli Hospital (Rishikesh), Dr. Pranik, Spinal Surgeon from Mumbai, Dr. Anukur Nanda and Dr. Gururaj, Spinal Surgeon from Indian Spine Center-Delhi, Dr. GL Arora, Ayurvedic Doctor (Rishikesh) and President of the AYUSH Medical Association, Dr. DK Srivastava, Ayurvedic Doctor, Dr. Tomar, Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Shekar Gupta, President of Rotary Rishikesh, Mr. Varun Jain, Advocate and Activist for Paraplegic Patients, Dr. Abhishek and Dr. Nikki from Himalayan Institute and Hospital Trust, Dr. Ravi Goyal, Spinal Surgeon from London, Dr. Krupali Patel, Dr. Jigna Patel from America and many other young doctors and health care practitioners from Seema Dental College.
With the vision and mission of Health First, all of the organizations present pledged to came together for the noble and vital cause of quality and comprehensive healthcare available to everyone. Within the next few months the hospital will expand to provide for more needy patients.
Pujya Swamiji said: ‘There are only a chosen few who go on treks and create a new track for society. I am so proud of Dr. Shekar Bhojraj and his entire team for creating a track of service, guiding the Project of Hope and Healing for all. We hope that in the days to come they will inspire this Health First Initiative in the hearts of many young doctors and practitioners all over India and the world.’
Pujya Mahamandeleshwar Swami Asanganand Saraswatiji blessing the occasion said that: ‘Parmarth means to serve humanity as if it were your worship and your pooja, because it truly is. It means to see the divine in all those who we are serving and interacting with- this is truly what the world and our nation needs today.’
Dr. Shekar Bhojraj said: ‘I am so happy to start such a project here on the holy banks of Mother Ganga at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh. It is a great honour to be able to serve the people of the Himalayas and Northern India with a Spinal Clinic, which not only will provide surgeries but will have rehabilitation services available as well as yoga and meditation classes. We envision a truly holistic and comprehensive care for all.’