Delhi gets its first brain health clinic at Dwarka hospital

Delhi’s first dedicated brain health clinic has been inaugurated at Indira Gandhi Hospital in Dwarka, marking a significant step towards decentralised neurological care in the city.

Launched by Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh on Saturday, the clinic aims to provide district-level access to screening, treatment, and rehabilitation for neurological disorders within the next year.

Established under the Government of India’s Brain Health Initiative, the clinic is supported by NITI Aayog and has the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) as its technical partner. The facility will offer services for stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, migraines and other brain disorders. It will also provide counselling and tele-neurology services for follow-up care.

“This is not just a facility—it’s a mission,” said Singh at the launch. “Whenever you encounter a brain-related issue, come here. Don’t delay or conceal your symptoms. Similar centres will soon be opened in every district.”

Neurological disorders are already the second leading cause of death globally and the top contributor to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), according to data cited by officials.

The Delhi government now plans to replicate the Dwarka model across all 11 districts, combining clinical services with lifestyle-modification counselling and caregiver support.

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IHBAS will lead staff training and monitor the programme’s outcomes.

The initiative aligns with the recommendations of NITI Aayog’s National Task Force on brain health, chaired by IHBAS Director Dr Rajinder Kumar Dhamija, and reflects Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s vision for a “future-ready” healthcare system.

(With inputs from PTI)