The Rehab Initiative is deeply rooted in the extensive experience and best practices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) when it comes to the physical rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Recognizing the critical need to promote long-term sustainability in this vital sector, the ICRC has established a local non-profit organization called the Rehab Initiative (RI) in Pakistan. The primary aim of this initiative is to bring together a consortium of the country’s major physical rehabilitation service providers, pooling their expertise and resources to drive progress.
At the heart of the Rehab Initiative’s mission is the advancement of the Pakistan Rehabilitation Program’s (PRP) key objectives. This includes improving accessibility to high-quality rehabilitation services, ensuring the full inclusion of persons with disabilities into mainstream Pakistani society, and cultivating people-driven sustainability across the sector. To this end, the RI serves as a collaborative platform where leading providers can coordinate their efforts, share knowledge, and implement innovative solutions.
National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM) in Islamabad’s G-8 sector, widely recognized as one of the best healthcare service providers in the region. NIRM is dedicated to delivering an exceptional patient experience through the work of its highly skilled medical professionals. Leveraging the latest healthcare technology, NIRM offers a comprehensive range of advanced treatments and diagnostic services to its clientele.
Recently, a team of rehabilitation experts from NIRM visited the Rehab Initiative facilities, touring the various sections and observing the organization’s work processes. They were welcomed by the RI’s Chairman, Dr. Bakht Sawar, who engaged them in discussions about the current state of orthotics and prosthetics in Pakistan. During these discussions, Ms. Hufsa Shahzad, a Clinical Orthotist Prosthetist from NIRM, shared valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by patients, professionals, and the profession as a whole within the country. These kinds of cross-pollination of ideas and experiences are precisely what the Rehab Initiative aims to foster, as it strives to drive meaningful progress in the physical rehabilitation sector of Pakistan.
