Independent Report
QUETTA (November 12): The Balochistan government is spending around Rs100 million each month on medical assistance for deserving patients, while a range of welfare measures is also being implemented to support persons with disabilities and children requiring special education, Director General Social Welfare Mir Saifullah Khan Khetran said.
Speaking to state media, Khetran said approximately 1,700 patients had received financial assistance for treatment of serious illnesses during the past year as part of the provincial government’s welfare initiatives.
He said annual expenditure on medical treatment assistance had previously remained in the range of Rs800 million to Rs900 million, while monthly spending had now risen to approximately Rs100 million.
According to the director general, financial support is being extended to eligible patients suffering from complex medical conditions, including cancer, kidney-related diseases and cases requiring bone marrow transplantation. Treatment is being facilitated at major healthcare institutions, including Aga Khan Hospital, Al-Shifa International Hospital and hospitals in Karachi. Free medicines are also being provided to eligible beneficiaries.
Khetran said the welfare measures were being implemented in accordance with the policy priorities of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, with particular emphasis on improving access to healthcare, special education and financial support for vulnerable sections of society.
He also outlined the scope of the KUMAK programme, under which persons with disabilities are being provided financial assistance, assistive equipment, vocational training and interest-free loans. The initiative is aimed at helping beneficiaries acquire skills, secure livelihoods and move towards greater economic independence.
Eligible persons are also receiving continuing financial assistance under the government’s established welfare policy, he added.
Discussing special education, Khetran said children enrolled in institutions for students with disabilities were being provided textbooks, uniforms and meals without charge.
He said a newly established modern school for deaf children had enrolled around 400 students and was equipped with multimedia resources and contemporary teaching methods to enhance the learning experience.
The director general reaffirmed the Social Welfare Department’s commitment to broadening healthcare, education and financial assistance programmes, particularly for deserving families and persons with disabilities living in remote and underserved parts of Balochistan.
