NewKerala.com

North India's First Sensory Garden Opens at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital

Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital has inaugurated "UMANG VATIKA", North India's first sensory garden within a government healthcare institution. The garden is designed as a therapeutic, child-friendly space to promote sensory stimulation and emotional well-being, complementing medical care for children. The project was implemented through a partnership involving ASTHA, R Squared Foundation, CPWD, and KILIKILI, with the hospital's Paediatric Neurology Division facilitating. Hospital authorities state it reinforces their commitment to inclusive and compassionate, child-centric healthcare.

Key Points: Safdarjung Hospital Inaugurates North India's First Sensory Garden

  • First sensory garden in a North Indian govt hospital
  • Aims to support children with neurodevelopmental needs
  • Designed for sensory integration & emotional regulation
  • Result of a public-private partnership
2 min read

VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital inaugurates North India's first sensory garden in a government institution

VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital launches UMANG VATIKA, North India's first sensory garden in a govt hospital for child therapy & well-being.

"Hospitals must heal not only the body but also nurture the emotional and psychological well-being of children - Dr. (Prof.) Sandeep Bansal"

New Delhi, January 8

Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital inaugurated the "UMANG VATIKA - Sensory Garden", marking the launch of North India's first sensory garden established within a government healthcare institution. The initiative aims to promote sensory stimulation, emotional well-being and holistic development of children, with a special focus on those with neurodevelopmental needs, according to an official statement.

The Sensory Garden was inaugurated by Dr (Prof.) Sandeep Bansal, Director, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, in the presence of Dr Charu Bamba, Medical Superintendent, Dr Geetika Khanna, Principal, VMMC, and Dr Pradeep Debata, Head of the Department of Paediatrics.

UMANG VATIKA is envisioned as a therapeutic and child-friendly space that complements medical care by addressing emotional and psychological needs alongside physical treatment. Designed to support sensory integration and emotional regulation, the garden is expected to play a key role in therapy and rehabilitation for children visiting the hospital.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. (Prof.) Sandeep Bansal said the launch of UMANG VATIKA was a "proud and meaningful moment" for the institution. He noted that being the first sensory garden of its kind in a government institution in North India reflects VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital's commitment to inclusive, compassionate and child-centric healthcare.

"Hospitals must heal not only the body but also nurture the emotional and psychological well-being of children, especially those with neurodevelopmental challenges," he said, adding that such spaces significantly complement medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The project stands as an example of an effective Public-Private Partnership. UMANG VATIKA was conceptualised and implemented by ASTHA, with financial partnership from R Squared Foundation. The project was executed by CPWD in coordination with Safdarjung Hospital, while design inputs were provided by KILIKILI. The Paediatric Neurology Division of VMMC and SJH acted as the strategic facilitator for the initiative.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Associate Medical Superintendents Dr Rekha Tirki, Dr Tilak Raj and Dr R.P. Saini, along with Ashok Pal (DDA), Kailash Pal (ONS), members of the CSR team, Dr Rachna Sehgal, In-charge, Paediatric Neurology Division, and faculty and staff of the hospital.

Hospital authorities said UMANG VATIKA symbolises hope, care and compassion, reinforcing VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital's ongoing commitment to inclusive and humane healthcare for children.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! A step towards holistic care in our public health system. My nephew has autism, and the sensory overload in typical hospitals is a nightmare. Spaces like UMANG VATIKA can make a world of difference in therapy outcomes. Kudos to the team and the private partners for making this happen.
A
Aman W
Great concept, but I hope the maintenance is taken seriously. We've seen many such "firsts" in government institutions start with fanfare and then deteriorate due to lack of upkeep. The article mentions PPP, so hopefully there's a sustainable plan. The real test will be how it looks and functions a year from now.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in child development, this is fantastic news. Sensory gardens are proven therapeutic tools. The fact that it's in a major government hospital in North India sets a precedent. It should be replicated in district hospitals too, not just metros. Inclusive healthcare for neurodivergent children is a right, not a luxury.
V
Vikram M
Bahut accha prayaas! 👏 This is the kind of innovation we need in our sarkari hospitals. It addresses the mental and emotional aspect of treatment, which is often completely ignored. Hope the staff is also trained to utilize this space effectively as part of the therapy protocol.
K
Kriti O
Wonderful news on a Monday morning! The name 'Umang Vatika' itself is so positive. It's encouraging to see a focus on compassionate care. My only request: please ensure it's accessible to all children from all economic backgrounds without any extra hidden charges. The article says it's PPP, so transparency on access is key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50