The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has inaugurated a dedicated Sports Injury and Rehabilitation Centre at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, establishing the first civic-run facility in Mumbai to provide comprehensive care for athletes under a single roof. The centre, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is designed to address a long-standing gap in public healthcare for sportspersons, offering interventions ranging from injury treatment to full rehabilitation.
The facility houses advanced equipment, including an underwater treadmill and a zero-gravity treadmill, which minimise joint stress while enabling early mobility. Digital analysis tools such as D-Wall and Walker View monitor posture, balance, and gait, helping physiotherapists personalise recovery plans. Additional therapies include Tecar, ultrasonic, interferential, shockwave, ice, and heat treatment, complemented by a 20-bed inpatient ward to support extended rehabilitation periods. A senior BMC official explained that the centre will function as a multidisciplinary sports medicine unit, integrating expertise from arthroscopic surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, psychiatrists, and biophysicists. “Previously, such comprehensive sports medicine care was primarily accessible in private hospitals. This initiative ensures international-standard treatment is available in a public healthcare setting,” the official noted.
Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani emphasised the facility’s strategic significance. “As India prepares for global sporting events, accessible specialised rehabilitation centres are essential. This centre will help athletes recover safely and enhances KEM Hospital’s national prominence in sports medicine,” he said. The centre aims to serve athletes across age groups and sporting disciplines, from amateur enthusiasts to professional sportspersons. Officials indicated plans to formally establish a Sports Medicine Department at KEM Hospital, with services set to expand as demand grows. Industry experts highlight the broader societal impact of such initiatives, noting that urban centres like Mumbai face increasing sports-related injuries due to rising participation in organised sports and physical activities. Integrating rehabilitation within public hospitals reduces financial barriers and promotes equitable access to high-quality care, supporting both community health and national sporting ambitions.
With the launch of the Sports Injury and Rehabilitation Centre, Mumbai sets a precedent for public healthcare innovation, demonstrating how municipal infrastructure can complement national sports development goals. The initiative aligns with Urban Acres’ vision of sustainable, inclusive cities, ensuring specialised healthcare services are accessible, technologically advanced, and integrated within civic systems.
BMC Launches Advanced Sports Rehabilitation Centre At KEM Hospital For Athletes
