Balochistan expands welfare programmes for persons with disabilities, poor patients and special children

QUETTA, Nov 12 (APP): The Balochistan government has launched a series of significant welfare initiatives aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities, underprivileged patients and special children, as part of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti’s vision. Talking to APP on Thursday, Director General Social Welfare Mir Saifullah Khan Khetran said the Social Welfare Department is implementing a range of programmes designed to provide vulnerable segments of society with access to healthcare, education, financial assistance and economic empowerment opportunities. He said the provincial government has made the welfare of disadvantaged and special individuals a key priority, focusing on helping them live with dignity and gain equal opportunities for personal and economic advancement. Saifullah Khetran highlighted the department’s flagship KUMAK Programme, which supports persons with disabilities through financial assistance as well as the provision of assistive devices, vocational training and interest-free loans. According to him, the programme aims not only to provide financial relief but also to enable beneficiaries to become self-reliant and active contributors to society. By equipping individuals with practical skills and resources, the initiative seeks to create long-term economic stability and independence. He added that the provincial government also continues to provide ongoing financial assistance to eligible persons with disabilities under established policies, ensuring sustained support and social protection. The DG Social Welfare said another major initiative focuses on providing advanced medical treatment to low-income patients suffering from severe and life-threatening illnesses. The programme covers treatment for conditions such as cancer, kidney diseases, bone marrow disorders and other complex medical conditions that are often beyond the financial reach of poor families. Khetran revealed that approximately 1,700 underprivileged patients received treatment during the previous year at leading healthcare institutions, including Aga Khan Hospital, Al-Shifa International Hospital, and other reputable hospitals in Karachi. Beneficiaries were also provided with essential medicines free of charge. He noted that the programme currently requires an annual expenditure of approximately Rs 800 million to Rs 900 million, while around Rs 100 million is being spent every month to support patients. The provincial government has increased funding allocations for the initiative to ensure that a greater number of deserving patients can access medical treatment without financial hardship. “Our objective is to ensure that no poor family is deprived of medical care for a loved one due to economic constraints,” he said. Khetran stressed that the department’s role extends beyond financial support and healthcare assistance, with special education remaining a central component of its welfare agenda. Through deaf schools and other specialised educational institutions, thousands of children with special needs are being provided with educational and training opportunities across the province. Students enrolled in these institutions receive free textbooks, uniforms and lunch facilities, helping to reduce the financial burden on families while promoting a supportive learning environment. As part of efforts to modernize special education, the Social Welfare Department recently established a state-of-the-art deaf school where around 400 special children are currently studying. The institution utilizes modern multimedia technologies and advanced teaching methods to enhance learning outcomes. Official describe the school as a major step forward in special education and say it has been developed in line with the standards of some of Pakistan’s leading specialized educational institutions. Saifullah Khetran said the Social Welfare Department is working under the direct guidance and special attention of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to further improve welfare programmes and expand public services. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities, poor patients and vulnerable children receive the facilities and opportunities guaranteed by their fundamental rights, enabling them to participate in society with dignity, independence and equal access. The DG Social Welfare reiterated that the department plans to expand the reach of its welfare initiatives in the future, particularly in remote and underserved areas of Balochistan, ensuring that government support reaches those most in need across the province. https://www.app.com.pk/balochistan/balochistan-expands-welfare-programmes-for-persons-with-disabilities-poor-patients-and-special-children/