For two Mumbai doctors, providing free treatment for underprivileged special children has become a way of life. While the parents of these children battling disorders like autism, Down’s syndrome and cerebral palsy struggle with extensive medical bills, these doctors are trying to do their bit to give these patients what they deserve the most – their independence.

HEALING HALLS: Centres in Mira Road, Powai, Andheri and Goregaon offer free treatment for needy special children

Dr Sourabh Sareen, a physiotherapist, and Dr Roopesh Singh, homoeopathic, decided to provide free treatment for poor patients in the western suburbs a few years ago, in hope that after sessions of treatment that includes occupational therapy and homeeopathy, children suffering from congenital disorders would have a better quality of life. “Children suffering from disorders like autism, cerebral palsy or Down’s Syndrome require physiotherapy as they have low muscle tone and face difficulty with coordination. Regular sessions enable them to overcome that and they can become self-reliant and conduct their daily chores without anyone’s assistance,” said Dr Sareen.