The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Robotic and Virtual Reality Lab and an Analytical Toxicology Lab at CMC on 20th January 2024.
The Robotic and Virtual Reality Lab will support patients with complex neurological disabilities such as strokes, traumatic brain, and spinal cord injuries. The Lab will also promote appropriate behaviour to reduce road accidents, which are responsible for the majority of these injuries. The Analytical Toxicology Lab will play a crucial role in addressing poison incidents. It will also raise awareness about the safe usage of pesticides and provide mental health support to reduce the rate of suicides.
These facilities are supported by USAID’s $1.5 million grant through its American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program. ASHA helps build bridges of understanding and friendship between the people of the United States of America and India. Since 1982, USAID has provided over $12.5 million for infrastructure, equipment, and other needs to CMC Vellore. ASHA provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, hospitals, and centres of excellence to catalyse collaboration between citizens of the United States and other countries and create self-sustaining local institutions.
