The construction for the facility is underway and the first slab of the structure is almost complete.
The first-ever residential facility for cerebral palsy (CP) and mentally handicapped (MH) people is soon going to come up in Pune, near Dive Ghat. It would be the realisation of a long-time dream of Umed Pariwar, a support group of parents, whose children are suffering from CP and various forms of mental retardation (MR).
The construction for the facility is underway and the first slab of the structure is almost complete, confirmed trustees of the organisation. Umed Pariwar was formed when a motley group of 11 parents — all professionals like bankers, engineers or chartered accountants — got together with the common problem of having children suffering from CP.
Shrikant Anturkar, one of the founding trustees, recollected their anxiety, which made them yearn for such a place. Hi's youngest son was detected with CP, soon after his birth almost 30 years ago. "The doctor explained to me that my son would forever require care and couldn't live independently at all," he said.
"I was sure I could take care of him as long as I live; but what about after my death? That was a question that hounded me for three decades. I used to take him to KEM Hospital for treatment and I met several parents like me there, and realised that we all had a common worry and problem," recalled Anturkar.
His anxiety was shared by parents with children suffering from similar conditions, who met at the KEM Hospital. Umed Pariwar was formed as a result of discussions between such parents, who were worried about the future of their children.
Ten acres near Dive Ghat was donated to the Pariwar by Madhuri Chitale, who purchased the land specifically for this purpose. A few other donors chipped in to start construction. "We got permission to develop 40,000 square feet and currently work is on to construct about 11,500 square feet. The facility can accommodate 25 children, but later we plan to expand the capacity to at least 100," said Anturkar.
Parents enrolling their kids here are expected to pay an entry fee as well as monthly upkeep charges for food, lodging and medical expenses of their children.Institution at Dive Ghat will accommodate 25, later expand to 100.
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