Commitment to disability rehab reaffirmed

PESHAWAR: A spokesperson for the Paraplegic Centre Peshawar (PCP), Hayatabad, has reaffirmed the commitment to the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, stating that the facility remains free from any financial or administrative scandals.

In a statement, the spokesperson said the centre continued to serve as the only major facility in the region dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, spinal tuberculosis, spinal tumors, polio, autism spectrum disorders, and congenital clubfoot in children.

The spokesperson accused vested interests of launching a propaganda campaign against the centre after a visit by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, during which he announced an increase in KP government funding for the facility. He said the chief minister had taken a commendable step, for which the centre was grateful to him and the KP government.

It is important to note that the centre operated with strict financial discipline and transparency, meeting approximately 45 percent of its expenses through donations from philanthropists. The spokesperson also dismissed as misleading the claim that the centre provided funds to the charitable organization Friends of Paraplegics. “In reality, this organization is a vital partner and a blessing for the center’s patients,” he added.

He said the organization actively supports persons with disabilities by offering peer counseling, organizing recreational and cultural activities, and facilitating post-rehabilitation economic empowerment.

The spokesperson maintained that the center welcomes and appreciates all voluntary organizations that contribute selflessly to the cause of disability rehabilitation. He said the centre had been tirelessly working for the physical, psychological, and social rehabilitation of persons with disabilities for years.

“To date, over 15,000 paraplegic patients have received free treatment, been relieved of chronic pressure ulcers, and provided with customized wheelchairs and thousands of other assistive devices,” he explained.

The spokesperson added that more than 5,000 children with clubfoot have been treated and enabled to walk and run — a testament to the center’s exemplary medical and humanitarian services.

He said the centre endorsed the 13-point charter of demands put forth by the disability community of KP, which includes essential rights such as access to education, employment, stipends, and economic rehabilitation.The spokesperson warned of legal action against certain malicious elements if they continued to undermine the reputation of the centre through false narratives and toxic propaganda.