A unique aqua therapy centre, the first of its kind in India, will be launched in Ahmedabad. This centre will provide free treatment to the poor and marginalized mentally challenged community. The centre will be situated in Navrangpura. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and NGO Madhuram Charitable Trust (MCT) are working together under a Public Private Partnership model to make this vision a reality. An AMC West Zone engineering official said, “We were impressed by MCT’s proposal and agreed to support this initiative. We’re offering a 1,500 square metre plot near Navrangpura’s Physiotherapy centre for this project.” The official also said, “This plot was a deserted swimming pool. It was badly damaged in the earthquake in 2001. We thought that it could be used for this purpose.”
A mother’s inspiration Shraddha Malpani, Founder and Principal Trustee of MCT, was inspired by her daughter’s experience. “Aqua therapy helped my specially challenged daughter to walk miraculously. Seeing its impact, I wanted to make this therapy available to others in similar situations,” she said. The centre is expected to open in a year and will need an investment of around Rs 2.5 to Rs 3 crore. The facility will also have a medical store and a canteen. The heated pool will help relax muscles, improving the therapy’s effectiveness.
Understanding Aqua Therapy
Aqua therapy is not just water-based exercise. It stimulates neural connection, helping in movement recovery, often more effectively than traditional land-based methods. It is especially beneficial for conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and mental retardation, enhancing overall health.
