Rs742.41m to be spent on rehabilitation of PWDs
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—An amount of Rs 742.41 million would be spent for medical rehabilitation of the disabled persons in earthquake affected areas of NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Chairman of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA), Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed said on Monday.
Addressing a seminar on “Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities”organised on occasion of International Day for Disabled Persons, he said the medical rehabilitation project would be implemented byERRA in collaboration with the National Institute of Handicapped (NiHd).
“Two rehabilitation centers of 50-Bed each will be establishedin Muzaffarabad and Abbottabad to cater the needs of people who suffered disabilities during earthquake in the region on October 8, 2005,” he said.
“In addition, National Institute of Handicapped in Islamabad and District Headquarter Hospitals in Battagram, Shangla, Oghi,Athmaqam and Bagh will be upgraded,” he added.
He informed that Community Based Rehabilitation Programs in uzaffarabad, Bagh, Shangla, and Mansehra are in place to ensure that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), both old and new, are treatedand integrated into their communities.
“Training programs are being imparted for communityrehabilitation workers across the area to serve the purpose and these workers would lend a helping hand towards PWDs and promoteawareness of their needs,” Lt-Gen. Nadeem said.
The Deputy Chairman mentioned that ERRA has establishedProsthetic and Orthotic Workshops in the earthquake affected areas to produce artificial limbs and support devices locally.
A survey has also been initiated to collect data of mentallyand physically disabled persons to frame comprehensive plan fortheir secure future.
“ERRA is also setting up Legal Aid Centres across the quakeaffected areas to provide free legal aid to vulnerable segments of society that also including disables,” he added.
Meanwhile, an exhibition to depict the work of special children and an awareness walk from NiHd to F-9 Park was also organised.
He informed that Community Based Rehabilitation Programs in uzaffarabad, Bagh, Shangla, and Mansehra are in place to ensure that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), both old and new, are treatedand integrated into their communities.