Mangaluru, September 25: Abhai Pratap Singh, one of the Indian Wheel-Chair Cricket team members, had a surprise of his life on September 18 during his visit to the Thumbay Physio-Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital (TPTRH), as he was able to walk on his own after 11 years with the cutting-edge technology of the hospital.

The Thumbay Physio- Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, the biggest and most advanced hospital for physiotherapy and rehabilitation, had the pleasure to host the Indian and Pakistani Wheel-chair Cricket teams on September 18.  

Abhai Pratap Singh, former Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force, was unable to walk as an accident had paralysed his body below the waist and confined him to the wheel-chair, ending his career as an airman. But he wishes to walk again. Fortunately, Abhai’s wish to walk again came true at Thumbay Physio- Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, after he tried one of the innovative rehab technologies available at the hospital- the Ekso Bionic Suit. “After 11 years, I am walking again. I’ll cherish this memory forever”, Abhai said with joy.

The team members were received at the hospital by Akram Moideen Thumbay, Chairman of Thumbay Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee. The visiting Indian and Pakistani players were all praise for the cutting-edge physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities of the hospital. Akram Moideen Thumbay felicitated the players with mementos.

Operating under the healthcare division of Thumbay Group, the Thumbay Physio-Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital (TPTRH) is a teaching hospital and an Academic Health Centre under the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System (GMUAHS). State-of-the-art rehabilitation treatment is delivered through the advanced technology like Virtual Reality. The hospital operates in collaboration with internationally renowned Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Valduce Hospital, Italy. It is attached to Thumbay University Hospital Complex, having 50 dedicated beds especially for rehabilitation. The OutPatient department of the hospital offers Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Medicine. The hospital features state-of-the-art amenities for physio-therapy, such as Hydrotherapy Pool, Robotics and a unique Cryotherapy Chamber and a unique ‘Therapeutic Garden’.

About Thumbay Medicity

Thumbay Medicity houses the Gulf Medical University, Thumbay Labs, Thumbay Pharmacy, Blends & Brews Coffee Shoppe, Body & Soul Health Club and Spa, Thumbay Food Court, Thumbay Housing Project, Theatre, Center for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare (CASH), Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine (TRIPM), Central Library, Research Center, Free Parking, Public Bus Station, Supermarket, Thumbay Dental Hospital and Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. A 500-bed academic hospital – Thumbay University Hospital - the largest private academic hospital in the region is at the final stages of completion at Thumbay Medicity, slated to open shortly. The specialized hospitals of Thumbay Medicity are Academic Health Centers of the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System (GMUAHS). According to Dr. Thumbay Moideen, the Founder President of Thumbay Group, Thumbay Medicity will have a floating population of 20,000 daily, availing its state-of-the-art healthcare, medical education and research facilities.



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Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.

Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.

"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.

He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.

"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.

Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.

"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.

The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.

Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.

In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.

Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.

On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.

"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.

He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.

"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.

"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.

"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.

Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.

Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.

In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.

"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.

PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.

"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.

In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.

On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.

"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.

"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.

When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.

On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.

PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.

India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.

From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.