Lupin, a pharmaceutical company in India, has launched Atharv Ability, an advanced neuro-rehabilitation center in Mumbai. With state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary approach, the center aims to address the rising burden of neurological disorders in the country. Atharv Ability offers comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including physical therapy, robotics, and neuro physiotherapy, catering to patients of all ages. The center’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible care, improve patients’ functionality, and fill the existing gaps in neurological rehabilitation services.
The prevalence of neurological disorders is rapidly rising in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neurological disorders are the primary cause of disability-adjusted life years and the second leading cause of death worldwide.
These disorders encompass a range of diseases that primarily affect the central and peripheral nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles.
A study published in The Lancet journal in 2021 revealed a significant burden of diseases such as stroke, epilepsy, headache, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia, with a majority of cases occurring in urban areas.
The study also emphasized that the burden of non-communicable neurological disorders is becoming increasingly prevalent among the aging population in India, contributing to a substantial portion of the total disability-adjusted life years. Individuals living with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, and access to proper rehabilitation facilities can provide various interventions to reduce disability, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Research has shown that rehabilitation facilities enhance functional outcomes for disabled individuals and are cost-effective, even in resource-limited settings.
A 2019 study reported 1.29 million incident cases of stroke, 106,600 cases of multiple sclerosis, 771,000 cases of Parkinson’s disease, 25,000 cases of motor neuron disease, 49,300 cases of brain and central nervous system cancer, and 7.6 million cases of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries in India. Consequently, the demand for neurological disorder rehabilitation services in India is significantly high. According to WHO estimates, only 5% to 15% of disabled individuals in low- and middle-income countries have access to assistive devices. Furthermore, neurorehabilitation services are still in their early stages, with only a limited number of qualified professionals providing these services in countries like India.
In February of this year, Lupin, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai, announced the launch of Atharv Ability, a state-of-the-art neuro-rehabilitation center. This unique center integrates robotic and computer-assisted technologies with a multidisciplinary approach, making it one of the most advanced rehabilitation facilities in the country.
Located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the Atharv Ability Center spans approximately 12,000 square feet and is staffed by 25 trained doctors and physiotherapists.
The inspiration behind Atharv Ability, according to Sumita Mohapatro Pani, Vice President of Lupin Ltd, stems from the challenges faced by individuals living with neurological disabilities daily. Pani aimed to provide the best possible clinical practice and care under one roof.
“Our discussions revolved around what more we could do for patients apart from offering medications… We wanted to focus on the neurology space… After conducting thorough research on the neurology landscape and identifying the existing gaps, we realized there was a significant need. We spoke with doctors and patients, and the harsh reality became apparent: neurology disorders contribute the most to Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)… If these patients do not undergo rehabilitation, they continue to live with disabilities,” Pani explained.
She further highlighted the lack of comprehensive post-discharge care for stroke patients in India, which led to the development of Atharv Ability. The center fills the existing gap by offering multidisciplinary neuro-physiotherapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, and aqua-therapy, among other modalities, all in one place. The goal is to provide comprehensive care and improve the independence and functionality of patients.
Since its launch, Atharv Ability has received positive feedback from patients and neurologists alike. Pani stated that they have already treated over 1,000 patients, improving their abilities, maximizing their functions, and helping them reintegrate into their lives.
The vision for Atharv Ability is to make it accessible to every patient with a neurological disorder. Lupin plans to establish more centers across different parts of the country to address the high demand in the neurology space.
Affordability and accessibility have always been key considerations for Atharv Ability. Despite offering state-of-the-art equipment and employing highly trained experts, the center strives to keep session charges affordable.
The Atharv Ability Center in Mumbai offers comprehensive rehabilitation services for individuals with neurological disorders, enabling them to reach their full potential in terms of physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. The center incorporates haptic senses to stimulate sensory systems, creating a warm and motivational environment that enhances therapy outcomes. It features dedicated sections for various therapies, each designed to promote patient therapy, recovery, and overall comfort.
The center caters to patients of all ages with neurological disabilities, including those with head injuries, spinal injuries, degenerative brain disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and pediatric conditions such as cerebral palsy and ADHD. The center provides a range of rehabilitation therapies, including physical therapy, robotics, neuro physiotherapy for different body parts, functional gym facilities, pain management, aquatic therapy, speech therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, and pediatric neuro-rehabilitation services.
Atharv Ability’s unique features include a simulated home environment for training, allowing patients to learn how to integrate back into normal life. The center also offers an aquatic therapy unit with advanced lift technology for patients relearning how to walk. Additionally, it provides a pediatric sensory room that calms pediatric autistic patients and helps them focus through light stimuli. A pneumatic gym is available for neurologically disabled patients, offering graded resistance for functional training.
The comprehensive programs at Atharv Ability are designed to address a variety of conditions, from stroke and traumatic brain injuries to Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy. The aim is to support patients through physical therapy, robotics, and neuro physiotherapy for different body parts.
With its commitment to affordability, accessibility, and high-quality care, Atharv Ability is revolutionizing neuro-rehabilitation in India, making a significant impact on the lives of individuals with neurological disorders.
