Balochistan Social Welfare Department Expands Support for Persons with Disabilities and Deserving Patients
Independent report
Quetta, November 12: Director General Social Welfare Balochistan Mir Saifullah Khan Khetran has said that the provincial government is taking various measures to improve the welfare, healthcare, education and economic independence of persons with disabilities, deserving patients and children with special needs.
Speaking to the official media, he said the initiatives were being implemented under the vision of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
He highlighted the KUMAK programme, under which persons with disabilities are provided financial assistance, assistive devices, vocational training and interest-free loans to help them become economically independent and active members of society.
He said financial assistance was also being provided to deserving persons with disabilities under the prescribed government policy.
The Director General said another major initiative focused on providing treatment to poor patients suffering from serious and complicated diseases, including cancer, kidney diseases and conditions requiring bone marrow transplantation.
He stated that approximately 1,700 deserving patients received treatment last year at institutions including Aga Khan Hospital, Shifa International Hospital and other reputable hospitals in Karachi. Essential medicines were also provided free of charge.
According to him, the annual expenditure on the treatment programme ranges between Rs800 million and Rs900 million, while approximately Rs100 million is currently being spent every month. The provincial government has also increased the funds allocated for the programme.
He said the department was also providing educational facilities to thousands of children with special needs through deaf schools and other specialised institutions. Students receive free books, uniforms and lunch facilities.
He added that a modern deaf school had recently been established, where approximately 400 children were receiving education through multimedia and modern teaching technologies.
Mir Saifullah Khan Khetran said the department would continue expanding welfare programmes to ensure that deserving people, particularly those living in remote areas, could access essential services and equal opportunities.
