At present, the centre has 50 persons with disabilities, who are undergoing 4-6 months training. Each person has a caretaker with 50 specialised doctors and staff.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The State government is considering to renew the lease period of Soulfree Inspire Centre, which is said to be the country’s only integrated spinal rehabilitation centre that offers treatment free of cost in Tiruvannamalai town for three years
Speaking to The Hindu, V.P. Mohan Gandhi, dean, Tiruvannamalai Government Medical College and Hospital, said that the State government is considering extending the renewal of the lease.
The clarification comes in the wake of concerns raised by Preethi Srinivasan, a quadriplegic and founder of the centre, on the future of the facility as the three-year lease period of the centre had expired on December 3, ironically, observed as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
She also filed a petition to the Chief Minister’s portal Mudhalvarin Mugavari on the need to renew the lease agreement of the centre. “We have been running from pillar to post with the Directorate of Medical Education and the Department of Health for renewal. No action has been taken. Relocation of the facility is expensive and time consuming,” Ms. Preethi told The Hindu.
In her petition to the Chief Minister she sought renewal of lease agreement for the existing building in the Old GH complex for three years. She said that the centre was refurbished with additional facilities like hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, terrace garden where wheelchair bound persons with disabilities were allowed to spend time.
As the Centre is functioning at the Old Government Hospital building within Tiruvannamalai Corporation limits, the renewal of lease agreement is dealt by the Department of Health and Family Welfare. “As the Centre is functioning at the old campus (Old GH premises), the entire file on lease of the Centre is being handled by the Department of Health. The State government is considering renewing it (lease period),” Dr. Gandhi said.
Spread over 1,860 sq.metres, the centre was inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on December 2, 2021. A year later in 2022, the lease of the facility was renewed for three years. At present, the centre has 50 persons with disabilities, who are undergoing 4-6 months training. Each person has a caretaker with 50 specialised doctors and staff.
At present, the spacious Old Government Hospital premises also accommodates a Government Siddha Hospital, three dialysis units run by Rotary Club, a mammogram unit and a government veterinary clinic. “The renewal of the government building for the centre should be done by the Department of Health,” said Collector K. Tharpagaraj.
At present, the spacious Old Government Hospital premises also accommodates a Government Siddha Hospital, three dialysis units run by Rotary Club, a mammogram unit and a government veterinary clinic. “The renewal of the government building for the centre should be done by the Department of Health,” said Collector K. Tharpagaraj.
Spinal Injured Persons Association (SIPA) founder Gnana Bharathi said, “There are very few places in the State that offer rehabilitation for spinal cord injury. Most hospitals finish the surgery and send the patients on their way. After such an expensive surgery there’s little money left to take care of rehabilitation. Only about three-four places offer free or affordable rehabilitation. At this stage, to lose another centre would be disheartening.”
Noting that there is a need for more rehabilitation centres given that the State sees so many accidents, Gnana Bharathi added that every district should at least have one rehabilitation centre.
(With inputs from Meghna M.)
Published – December 04, 2025 08:55 pm IST
