Mobility India (MI), a distinguished partner of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), celebrated the first convocation ceremony for graduates of the Bachelor’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics (BPO) programme and Rehabilitation Therapy Assistance (RTA) certificate programmes.

At the ceremony, Kedir Awol Omar, Head of the Regional Delegation for India, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives, was the Guest of Honour, and he was joined by Navid Dadbin, Regional Physical Rehabilitation Programme (PRP) Manager.

Since 2004, MI and ICRC have collaborated to improve access, quality and sustainability of services to improve the well-being of beneficiaries and promote their integration and participation in society. The level of collaboration with MI steadily increased from 2014 onwards, with the aim of creating a greater impact in the field of physical rehabilitation.

The availability of a trained workforce is needed to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of rehabilitation services in India and most developing nations. Through its education and training programmes, MI prepares professionals in the field of prosthetics and orthotics to provide quality services to persons with disabilities (PwDs). Additionally, MI provides comprehensive physical rehabilitation services and works to improve the social inclusion of PwDs through Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR).

ICRC is proud to continue supporting MI, one of the leading training institutes in the Indian rehabilitation sector with a growing reputation. In recent years, the ICRC has also supported MI training activities, primarily through capacity-building for faculty members and senior technical staff. As of today, over 70 BPO students, 287 ISPO CAT II, and 218 RTAs have graduated from MI, including students from India and abroad.

“ISPO CAT I is a golden opportunity for one and all in the prosthetics and orthotics field. My dream of achieving it was possible with the help of Mobility India. Appearing in the ISPO CAT I has helped me boost my career and confidence. With this international certificate, I see bigger opportunities and responsibilities. This examination itself has made me confident in dealing with patients professionally. Also, it will help me pursue higher education conveniently at top international universities,” said Rumi Bhujel from Nepal, a former student.

Globally, an estimated 2.4 billion people live with a health condition that could benefit from recuperation. The ICRC has supported rehabilitation services for over 40 years to ensure that PWDs have reliable access to quality services, well-fitted devices (e.g. prostheses, orthoses, walking aids and wheelchairs) and effective physiotherapy. Its main goal is to assist PwDs in regaining mobility and facilitating social integration, educational participation, and livelihood opportunities.