KARACHI: Handicap International Pakistan in collaboration with WHO and the government of Sindh, organized a two-day consultative workshop under ReLAB-HS project in Karachi, says a Press release.
The purpose of the two-day workshop was to develop a five- year strategic action plan at the provincial level that will assist the government to ensure the provision of rehabilitation and assistive technology services as part of the provincial health system in the province.
The two-day workshop, led by the Sindh Health Department, was attended by representatives from all relevant provincial departments involved in health and rehabilitation and representatives from various medical institutions and NGOs.
Dr. Zia Khan Dawar, Global Coordinator for ReLAB-HS, stated that a comprehensive action plan is being prepared under the umbrella of Federal Ministry of Health and Sindh Health Department that will help the governments to improve financial and administrative matters related to physical rehabilitation and assistive technology services.
Dr. Sher Khan, Additional Director-General Health, expressed his appreciation for every effort aimed at ensuring the provision of rehabilitation and other facilities for people with disabilities, mentioning that this strategic plan shows commitment of the health department and the provincial government to working together for the betterment of persons with disabilities.
Dr. Ghulam Mohiuddin, Additional Secretary of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) stated that Sindh is the only province in Pakistan that has established a separate department for people with disabilities, creating enabling department and better rehabilitation and health services for persons with disabilities.
Dr. Fahim Khan Afridi, Additional Director-General Health Balochistan, mentioned that the plan developed for the Sindh government would also provide guidance for the Balochistan government.
During the ceremony, Dr. Maryam Mallick, representing the World Health Organization, expressed her organization’s commitment to cooperate fully in this endeavor. This strategic action plan on Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology, will undergo for submission to the provincial cabinet, marking a significant step towards integrating rehabilitation into health systems.
