With the rise in number of accidents in the country, there has been a significant increase in the number of spinal cord injuries in the last two decades. Spinal experts caution that the number is expected to rise sharply if preventive steps are not taken on a priority basis. Prevention strategies have not been given due emphasis in India and in other developing countries partly due to constraints in availability of resources to organise prevention campaigns, said ASSI Secretary Dr HS Chhabra. “An integrated approach involving all stakeholders, including policy-makers, professionals and the general public and most importantly political commitment is essential for success,” said ASSI Joint Secretary Dr Saumyajit Basu.