KPK Launches Artificial Limb Provision Scheme at Paraplegic Centre in Peshawar

PESHAWAR, April 23, 2025 – Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, visited the Paraplegic Centre in Peshawar on Wednesday to inaugurate the Artificial Limb Provision Scheme under the Sehat Sahulat Card program, a major step toward making prosthetic services more accessible for people with disabilities.

Joined by provincial cabinet members Ehtesham Ali, Humayun Khan, and Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, CM toured the centre and received a briefing from CEO Dr. Syed Muhammad Ilyas on its operations, particularly its efforts in providing artificial limbs and rehabilitation services. The Chief Minister reviewed the facilities and met with patients, emphasizing the importance of empowering those with disabilities.

The newly launched Artificial Limb Provision Scheme integrates prosthetic services into the Sehat Card Plus health insurance program, allowing patients to access high-quality artificial limbs at little to no cost. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers for individuals who need prosthetics to regain mobility and independence. “No one should be held back because they can’t afford the tools to live a fuller life,” CM said during the inauguration.

To ensure the scheme’s success, CM announced a special grant of Rs50 million for the Paraplegic Centre, alongside an increase in its annual regular grant from Rs300 million to Rs400 million in the upcoming provincial budget. He also directed the immediate release of Rs75 million from the current grant to address pressing needs, including the provision of artificial limbs.

CM also announced that core medical services at the centre, including those related to artificial limb fitting and maintenance, would now be covered under the Sehat Card Plus scheme. This move is designed to make the entire process—from initial assessments to long-term prosthetic care—more affordable and accessible.

The launch of the Artificial Limb Provision Scheme has been hailed as a game-changer by the centre’s staff and patients. For many, access to prosthetics means the difference between dependence and independence. “This scheme will change lives,” said Dr. Ilyas, who thanked the Chief Minister for prioritizing the needs of people with disabilities.

CM underscored the importance of inclusivity, stating, “Disability is not a limitation—it’s a call for us to come together and support one another.” He expressed gratitude to philanthropists supporting the initiative and encouraged the community to rally behind the centre’s efforts.

With the Artificial Limb Provision Scheme now underway, the Paraplegic Centre is poised to make a lasting impact, helping countless individuals regain their mobility and confidence. The Chief Minister’s commitment to this cause signals a brighter, more inclusive future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sources: thenews.com.pk, app.com.pk