The Indian Army is committed to the well-being of not just its soldiers, but also their families. This includes ensuring their children have the best possible start in life. Early Intervention Centres (EICs) are a fantastic initiative to address this need.
What are EICs?
EICs are specialized centers designed to help children aged 0-6 who may be experiencing developmental delays or disabilities. The goal is to identify these issues early and provide the necessary support to maximize a child’s potential and improve their quality of life.
What services do EICs offer?
EICs provide a comprehensive range of services, all under one roof. This includes:
- Medical evaluations: Doctors specializing in areas like neurology, neonatology, ophthalmology, and dentistry can assess a child’s overall health and identify any underlying conditions.
- Therapies: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and special education can all help children develop essential skills and overcome challenges.
- Behavioral and dietary support: Therapists and dieticians can provide guidance on managing behavioral issues and ensuring proper nutrition for a child’s specific needs.
What conditions do EICs address?
EICs can help children with a wide range of developmental delays and disabilities, including:
- Intellectual disabilities
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD
- Delays in motor skills, language, speech, or thinking
- Epilepsy
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral disorders
Where are EICs located?
The Indian Army has established EICs at various military hospitals across the country, making these crucial services accessible to families. Here’s a list of locations:
- Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi
- Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune
- Military Hospital Jammu
- Military Hospital Jalandhar
- Military Hospital Secunderabad
- Command Hospital (Eastern Command), Kolkata
- Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow
- Military Hospital Jabalpur
- Base Hospital Guwahati
- Military Hospital Jaipur
- Military Hospital Dehradun
- Military Hospital Chennai
- Military Hospital Jodhpur
- Military Hospital Bhopal
- Military Hospital Pathankot
- Base Hospital Tezpur
- Base Hospital Bagdogra
- Command Hospital (Western Command), Chandimandir
- Command Hospital (Northern Command), Udhampur
- Military Hospital Mathura
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is crucial for children with developmental delays and disabilities. By addressing these challenges early, children can make significant progress and achieve greater independence. The EICs established by the Indian Army are a commendable step towards ensuring the well-being of its youngest members and their families.
