KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday inaugurated a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre dedicated to children with physical and neurodevelopmental disabilities, calling it a beacon of hope for families across the province.

The Centre for Rehabilitation of Children with Physical and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities is a joint initiative of the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) and the Sindh government’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD).

The chief minister said during the inauguration that the centre stands as a beacon of hope and a “testament to our collective commitment to support children facing physical and neurodevelopmental challenges”, including conditions such as autism and Down syndrome.

“Our vision is clear: to provide these children with the care, therapies and opportunities they need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives,” he added.

Says provincial budget will be presented on 13th

The newly opened facility offers a wide range of integrated services delivered by a multidisciplinary team of professionals.

These include physiotherapy to enhance mobility and physical development, speech therapy to improve communication and language skill, remedial therapy for academic and cognitive growth, behavioural therapy to support adaptive functioning, occupational therapy focusing on daily living skills and sensory integration, a sensory room for sensory regulation and exploration, paediatrician services for medical assessments and developmental care, special play area with adaptive equipment for inclusive play and audiometry services for early detection and intervention of hearing impairments.

CM Shah toured the centre’s facilities, interacted with children and noted that 50 children had already been admitted on the first day.

The chief minister also announced plans to expand similar rehabilitation centres to various districts across Sindh. “We have already established such centres in Karachi, Gambat, Larkana, Tando Muhammad Khan and Nawabshah. More are on the way,” he said.

In a major development, the CM also said that the Sindh government has allocated 100 acres of reclaimed land near the Malir Expressway in Karachi to develop an “Inclusive City”, a comprehensive environment for persons with disabilities.

This city will feature inclusive schools, rehabilitation complexes, vocational training centres, a general hospital, neuropsychiatry ward and residential facilities, he stated. A 20-acre park designed for children with special needs and a building to house welfare organisations will also be part of the project.

This city will be a model of accessibility, dignity and opportunity, he added.

The CM paid tribute to Dr Ruth Pfau, founder of MALC, recalling her pioneering efforts in the fight against leprosy. Her legacy continues through the centre and MALC’s ongoing work, he said. Answering media questions, Mr Shah announced that the provincial budget will be presented on June 13 with agriculture being a central focus.

He also stressed the need for provincial representation in the management of K-Electric and other power distribution companies, citing consumer interests and constitutional responsibility.

The Sindh government is interested in running Hyderabad Electric Supply Company and Sukkur Electric Power Company under a public-private partnership model, he said, adding that discussions with the federal government are ongoing.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including DEPD Secretary Taha Ahmed Farooqi, Special Assistant Rajveer Singh Sodha Tunio, German Consul General Dr Rudiger Lotz, GLRA Germany Global Health Advisor Dr Anil Fastino, MALC CEO Mervyn Francis and board members Anwarul Haq Haidri, Azeem Hussain Siddiqui and Abid Hussain.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2025