Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday inaugurated the Centre for Rehabilitation of Children with Physical & Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, a joint effort of the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) and the Sindh government’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD).
Talking to the media after inaugurating the facility, Shah said that this centre stands as a beacon of hope, and a testament to collective commitment to support children facing physical and neurodevelopmental challenges, including conditions such as autism and Down syndrome.
He pointed out that their vision is clear: to provide these children with the care, therapies and opportunities they need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives. He said that under one roof, this centre offers a comprehensive and fully integrated range of services delivered by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of professionals.
These services include physiotherapy (a customised programme designed to enhance mobility and physical development), speech therapy interventions aimed at improving communication and language skills, remedial therapy (specialised educational support to foster cognitive and academic growth), and behavioural therapy (positive behavioural interventions to promote adaptive functioning).
They also include occupational therapy focusing on daily living skills and sensory integration; a sensory room, where a therapeutic environment is designed for sensory regulation and exploration; and paediatrician services (medical assessments and ongoing developmental care to monitor and support children’s health).
A special play area, which is an inclusive play space equipped with adaptive equipment and supervised by experts, and audiometry services meant for early detection and management of hearing impairments to ensure timely intervention are also included.
“This centre will provide treatment for both mental and physical health conditions. CRPD centres are effectively supporting DEPD initiatives by the Sindh government,” said Shah, adding that on the very first day, 50 children had already been admitted to the centre.
He praised MALC’s efforts in combating leprosy, and highlighted that the newly established major rehabilitation centre along Shahrah-e-Bhutto is capable of treating thousands of children simultaneously.
He said rehabilitation centres have been set up in Karachi, Gambat, Larkana, Tando Muhammad Khan and Nawabshah. He announced plans to establish similar rehabilitation centres for special children in various cities across the province.
Inclusive City
The CM said that 100 acres of reclaimed land near the Malir Expressway in Karachi has been allocated to establish Inclusive City, which is dedicated to persons with disabilities.
“This Inclusive City will provide a comprehensive environment with inclusive schools, rehabilitation complexes, vocational training centres, a general hospital, a neuropsychiatry ward, and residential facilities for persons with disabilities who need care and support.”
Included in this project is a 20-acre park designed for children with special needs to play joyfully and safely, as well as a large building to house welfare organisations. “This city will be a model of accessibility, dignity and opportunity, enabling persons with disabilities to live independently and contribute fully to society.”
He said the Inclusive City reflects his government’s unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their physical or developmental challenges, has access to education, health care, rehabilitation and vocational opportunities, all within a supportive and enabling environment.
The success of these initiatives is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, bringing together the expertise, resources and dedication of MALC, DEPD and the Government of Sindh, he added.
Recalling the services of Dr Ruth KM Pfau, he said: “She established MALC in 1962, and her contributions to the fight against leprosy are highly commendable.” Responding to a question, the CM said the provincial budget would be presented on June 13. “Agriculture will be a key focus in the upcoming budget.”
He also emphasised that there must be representation from Sindh in the management of K-Electric and other power distribution entities in the province. “This is essential for ensuring that the consumers within the province benefit directly. While electricity distribution is constitutionally a provincial responsibility, it has always been managed by the federal government.”
Speaking on future plans, he said: “We want to run Hesco and Sepco through public-private partnership. We’re aware that technically sound firms are needed to operate such services effectively.”
He added that his government is currently discussing the matter with the federal government. “Although our work is ongoing, it will take time for the results to be visible.” He also voiced his concerns over poor decision-making by power distribution companies. “Such decisions can lead to law and order issues, for which the provincial government is held accountable.”
