Over 100 children born with clubfoot treated at Indus Hospital this year

Around 100 children born with clubfoot have undergone a complete treatment at the Indus Hospital, Karachi, while more than 1,000 patients from entire Pakistan have been enrolled in the Pehla Qadam Program at the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN), officials and experts said on Saturday.

“The Pehla Qadam Program at the Indus Hospital, Korangi Campus, now receives patients from all over the country and is part of a global commitment to eliminate untreated clubfoot. Since its inception, more than 1,000 patients have been enrolled in the programme,” Dr Amin Chinoy, executive director of the Physical Rehabilitation Directorate at the IHHN, said while speaking at the Clubfoot Se Jeet Ka Jashn at the IHHN Karachi on Saturday.

“Clubfoot Se Jeet ka Jashan” is an annual event held by the IHHN to celebrate the success of children completing the four-year treatment for clubfoot through the Pehla Qadam Program. This year, 100 children at The Indus Hospital (TIH), Korangi, completed their treatment and participated in exciting festivities.

The event was attended by children and their families, media personnel and clubfoot programme team members. Dr Adil Haider, Aga Khan University dean, was invited as the chief guest at the event where all celebrated the affected children’s first walk and acknowledged the remarkable efforts of each child and their family in complying with the long course of treatment.

Also in attendance was Meher-un-Nissa Amer Haider accompanied by her grandmother who is one of the founders and chief drivers of IHHN’s Pehla Qadam program.

The story of the IHHN’s Pehla Qadam programme starts with Meher-un-Nissa who was born with clubfoot. Her family searched desperately for treatment which was eventually done outside Pakistan.

After experiencing the plight of children with clubfoot and their caregivers first-hand, the family felt strongly that such quality treatment should be available in Pakistan to all the children in need. Determined to see their vision realised, they joined hands with the IHHN in 2011 to launch the Pehla Qadam to treat children with clubfoot through the Ponseti method.

The programme now receives patients from all over the country and is part of the global commitment to eliminate untreated clubfoot. Since its inception, more than 1,000 patients have been enrolled in the programme. To date, Meher-un-Nissa’s family has been funding the programme through the Amer Haider Charitable Foundation which holds fundraisers all year round to run the programme.

Addressing the audience, Meher-un-Nissa said she was honoured to be there today, witnessing the fruit of her family’s and Indus Hospital’s hard work in providing children with clubfoot comprehensive quality care free of charge.

“Having watched my parents and grandparents work so tirelessly to fundraise for the Pehla Qadam, I feel confident and proud to continue their good work,” she said.

In recognition of her commitment to the IHHN, Meher-un-Nissa was awarded a Young Ambassador Sheild by Dr Chinoy.

Ayesha Haider of the Amer Haider Charitable Foundation informed the audience about what compelled her and her family to initiate this noble cause and how the foundation started the initiative with the Indus Hospital.

Addressing the event, Dr Chinoy said, “Over the past years, we felt that we are also a part of our patients’ families. We want to spread this message to motivate other affected children and their families. The Pehla Qadam program envisages a clubfoot-free Pakistan in future through the endeavours of its philanthropists and the dedication of its focused team.”

The event featured a magic show, puppet show, and a series of juggling acts. Certificates were also distributed among the Pehla Qadam volunteers and team members to acknowledge their efforts. The children were also given school bags, colouring books, toys and art

supplies.