Peshawar, 29th October 2024 – The Paraplegic Centre Hayatabad, Peshawar, conducted an insightful workshop on the topic “Advanced Orthotics & Its Effectiveness in Paraplegia.” The event aimed to equip rehabilitation professionals with updated knowledge on orthotic interventions to enhance mobility and stability for patients with paraplegia.
Mr. Shad M. Khan, an expert in orthotics and rehabilitation, served as the guest speaker, delivering key insights on innovative approaches in orthotic care. The workshop specifically covered recommendations for managing lower limb deformities, providing both walking and non-walking orthotic options to aid in improving patients’ quality of life.
A special segment of the workshop highlighted career opportunities for orthotic professionals in Gulf countries, a promising field for Pakistani professionals seeking to expand their expertise internationally.
The session, which commenced at 10:00 am, attracted rehabilitation experts from various medical institutions. Participants received e-certificates for their attendance, marking this as a valuable educational experience for Peshawar’s healthcare community.
The Paraplegic Centre, committed to advancing rehabilitation practices, continues to organize such events to enhance professional knowledge and patient care standards in Pakistan.
The Paraplegic Centre in Peshawar is a pioneering facility in Pakistan, providing specialized rehabilitation services for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Founded in 1979 and based in Hayatabad, it is the only facility of its kind in the country, offering free services to patients with paraplegia and quadriplegia. This center treats a significant number of individuals affected by spinal injuries due to falls, gunshots, and road accidents, especially among younger age groups and economically disadvantaged individuals from across Pakistan and even neighboring Afghanistan.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ilyas Syed, the current CEO, the Paraplegic Centre has expanded its services to not only provide physical rehabilitation but also to address the psychological, vocational, and social needs of patients. Ilyas Syed, who is highly regarded for his dedication, has emphasized a mission-driven approach, where staff members work not just to treat but to inspire and support patients through long-term recovery. This holistic approach, encompassing physical therapy, psychological support, and vocational training, aims to reintegrate patients into society as active and contributing members.
The facility continues to serve as a model for spinal injury rehabilitation and is pushing towards becoming a “Center of Excellence” in the region, with aspirations to incorporate research and academic development in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
The event provided a unique and invaluable opportunity for students, academics, and clinicians from diverse disciplines within physical medicine and rehabilitation to come together, exchange insights, and learn collaboratively.
At the Paraplegic Center Peshawar, we are deeply grateful to Mr. Shad Mohammad Khan for taking the time out of his demanding schedule to share his knowledge and experiences with us.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that effective, interdisciplinary physical rehabilitation demands a comprehensive understanding and close collaboration among all rehabilitation professionals, including but not limited to physical therapists, occupational therapists, prosthetists and orthotists, speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation nurses, and rehabilitation engineers.