Singh, Anirudh K.

Looking at the disabled soldier: Past, present, and future his care, career prospects, and rehabilitatio - U.S.I. Journal: India’s Oldest Journal on Defence Affairs - 154(638), Oct-Dec, 2024: p.711-734

This essay explores the rehabilitation and career prospects of war-wounded soldiers, focusing on current systems and areas for improvement. While the armed forces provide initial medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation procedures often lack standardisation and comprehensive support, leaving personnel dependent on personal resilience and family support. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, this study gathers perspectives from affected soldiers, highlighting deficiencies in psychological care, inadequate facilities, and bureaucratic challenges, such as the L1 procurement process that delays access to quality medical implants and prosthetics. The need for standardised rehabilitation protocols, partnerships with non-governmental organisations, and advanced civilian medical centres is emphasised. Key recommendations include implementing a structured, multidisciplinary approach to care, improving mental health support, and fostering a sense of purpose within the organisation to motivate recovery. The inclusion of veteran-led civil organisations like Conquer Land Air Water, which empowers warwounded soldiers by demonstrating their continued value and resilience, underscores the potential for reintegration into society and the workforce. This analysis advocates for systematic reforms to ensure war-wounded soldiers receive the support necessary for meaningful rehabilitation and re-engagement, benefiting both the individual and the broader military community.- Reproduced

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