In Pakistan’s rural heartlands, where access to specialized healthcare is often limited, the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) stands as a beacon of hope. With its expansive network and people-centered approach, NRSP has carved out a unique space in providing Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) services, ensuring that even the most marginalized communities have access to life-changing care.
Established in 1991, NRSP is Pakistan’s largest Rural Support Programme, operating across 72 districts in all provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This non-profit organization, registered under Section 42 of the Companies Act 2017, focuses on poverty alleviation and sustainable development by empowering rural households. With over 3.8 million households organized into 252,350 Community Organizations (COs), NRSP’s vision is to build vibrant, inclusive communities where every individual can thrive.
Orthotics and prosthetics care involves providing specialized devices that enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities or injuries. NRSP’s role in this field is not only vital but transformative. Through community-centric strategies, NRSP ensures that patients from underserved regions receive access to essential services such as prosthetic limbs, orthopedic braces, and corrective orthotic devices.
Key Features of NRSP’s O&P Services
- Community Integration
NRSP employs a bottom-up development model, identifying local needs through comprehensive poverty profiling and situational analyses. By organizing communities into COs and federating them into Village Organizations (VOs) and Local Support Organizations (LSOs), NRSP ensures that services reach those who need them most. - Accessible Care
Through its regional and field offices, NRSP brings O&P services closer to rural populations. This eliminates the geographical and financial barriers that often prevent access to specialized care. - Training and Empowerment
By engaging Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and equipping them with managerial and technical skills, NRSP fosters a self-reliant ecosystem where communities can sustain these services independently. - Gender Sensitivity
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women and children, NRSP’s gender-sensitive approach ensures inclusivity in its O&P services.
Behind every orthotic brace and prosthetic limb is a story of resilience and hope. NRSP’s interventions have helped individuals regain their independence, return to work, and reintegrate into their communities. By restoring mobility and dignity, NRSP not only transforms lives but also strengthens rural economies by enabling individuals to contribute productively.
The National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) has made remarkable strides in providing orthotics and prosthetics services to people in need, particularly those impacted by disasters and physical disabilities. Their mission reflects a profound commitment to empowering individuals with mobility impairments, enabling them to lead productive and dignified lives. With two prominent centers, the NRSP Artificial Limb Rehabilitation Centre in Rawalpindi and the ENGRO-supported NRSP Limb Centre in Dharki, the organization has offered state-of-the-art assistance to thousands across Pakistan.
NRSP Artificial Limb Rehabilitation Centre, Rawalpindi
Established in December 2006 in response to the devastating Kashmir earthquake, the NRSP Artificial Limb Rehabilitation Centre in Rawalpindi has played a transformative role in the lives of physically disabled individuals. This center, built in collaboration with the UK-based Naya Qadam Trust , operates with the vision of holistic rehabilitation. It offers prosthetic solutions for a wide array of cases, ranging from above-knee and below-knee limbs to functional upper-limb prostheses.
Over the years, the center has treated 14,619 patients, including 797 boys and 428 girls, delivering both unilateral and bilateral limb solutions. Its services extend beyond the physical space of the Rawalpindi facility, thanks to the mobile prosthetic workshops introduced in 2008. These workshops, supported by organizations such as Oxfam Novib and Oxfam America, ensured access to care for those living in remote areas.
A standout feature of the center is its emphasis on comprehensive service. It has repaired over 3,867 prosthetic limbsand provided 52 tricycles and wheelchairs, highlighting a commitment to restoring not just mobility but also independence. Moreover, the meticulous design and fabrication of orthotic devices, such as calipers for orthotic support, have benefited 749 individuals, a testament to the program’s technical expertise and compassionate approach.
With a dedicated staff of trained professionals and occasional support from donors, the NRSP Artificial Limb Rehabilitation Centre continues to expand its outreach, symbolizing hope for those who face immense challenges due to physical disabilities.
ENGRO-NRSP Limb Centre, Dharki
In Dharki, the collaboration between NRSP and ENGRO Fertilizer has brought advanced prosthetic services closer to the rural populace. The ENGRO-NRSP Limb Centre serves as a beacon of relief for those in southern Pakistan who would otherwise face challenges accessing such specialized care.
Since its inception, the Dharki center has catered to the needs of 1,672 individuals, offering a range of prosthetic and orthotic services. It has treated 347 cases of above-knee prostheses and 506 cases of below-knee prostheses. Moreover, the center has repaired 629 limbs, provided 203 crutches, and ensured that patients receive proper orthotic support through 180 caliper cases.
What sets this center apart is its patient-centered approach, ensuring inclusivity across gender and age groups. With men, women, and children among its beneficiaries, the center demonstrates a holistic commitment to uplifting communities. The technical expertise and resources provided by ENGRO Fertilizer have undoubtedly elevated the standard of care, making it a model for public-private partnerships in healthcare.
The journey of NRSP in orthotics and prosthetics reflects its unwavering commitment to transforming rural Pakistan. By integrating healthcare into its larger development agenda, NRSP has not only brought smiles to countless faces but has also reinforced the idea that every individual, regardless of circumstances, deserves an equal chance at life.
