Mohali's autism care center inaugurated for the second time

Dr 03, 2025 07:34 AM IST During the inauguration, Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized the importance of recognizing the abilities of children with autism on world -autism awareness day, the advanced autism care and research center in Sector 79, Mohali, was for the second time in 2021 in the former Punjab medicines. Kumar fell, but remained unused. The center was inaugurated by Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, along with health secretary Kumar Rahul Ias and Dr Bhavneet Bharti, director of Dr Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Science, Mohali. (HT photo) On Wednesday, the center was by the Minister of Health of Punjab, Dr Balbir Singh, along with health secretary Kumar Rahul Ias and Dr Bhavneet Bharti, director of Dr Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Science, Mohali. During the inauguration, Dr Singh emphasized the importance of recognizing the abilities of children with autism, saying: “We must see the ability, not disability. The previous government has not operationalized the center, but I can assure you this time that the center will become a fully functional institute. The project had an investment of about £ 16 through previous governments. “The delay in the functioning was due to the indifference of the previous government,” the Minister of Health said. However, the ceremony emphasized the continued challenges of the center. Despite its inauguration, only two buildings were cleaned, while the rest remained vacant and unattended. No professional staff members were seen on the site, only medical colleges students were present. The center, located in a prime area, has the potential to serve many families, but the current state is of concern about the readiness of providing the necessary support. Dr Bharti said: ‘From now on, we are not officially in control, but we assume that we will oversee it as a research center. As part of the research, we have an important role to play, and we will do our best for the children, because I am a passionate pediatrician. There were many challenges, and we were uncertain if the inauguration would occur even the last moment. ‘ Parents mourn the lack of facilities in the center. Parents and community members expressed dissatisfaction with the repeated promises without any progress. Poonam, a member of the State Disability Council, said: “I have been a part of this project since the first day, but it is shocking that we have not received any information about the inauguration. This is the third time this center has come into the spotlight but still no single parent has benefited. Shivani Dhillon, a concerned parent, said: “An institute can’t run overnight. No one from the community has been notified, because stakeholders have no hope for this place. The administration does not have an understanding of the needs of parents who deal with autism. ” The center is designed to provide support for children with autism, with facilities such as training rooms, paper spaces and residences for pupils. The center is expected to employ a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychologists, speech therapists and special educators, but the website does not have a full -time professional staff, and rather rely on medical students for support. Autism is a neuro development disorder that affects how individuals observe, communicate and interact the world. On average, parents spend more than £ 20,000 a month on therapies and support services for their children. A government center such as the Advanced Autism Care and Research Center would have provided much -needed support, but parents still hold on to the hope that the center will be operationalizing completely.