Sindh govt sets up nearly 10 Down syndrome centers in Hyderabad: Murad

Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah on Thursday said the provincial government had set up nearly 10 Down syndrome centers in Hyderabad, after Karachi.

Speaking in Hyderabad, Shah said the Hyderabad center reflected the government’s commitment to the cause, adding that the project, allotted in July, was completed and inaugurated two months ahead of schedule thanks to the collective efforts of the team involved.

The prime minister also mentioned that he had given a new task to his team to establish a similar center in Sukkur, with an aim to extend such facilities to all divisional headquarters in Sindh.

He added that the government was also working on plans to develop a modern city spanning 70 to 75 acres, dedicated to children with Down syndrome, where they would be provided with facilities, a supportive environment and opportunities.

“We will demonstrate it by turning this city into an exemplary and modern City with Down Syndrome for the world,” he stated.

Earlier, Shah also visited Karachi’s University Road, accompanied by Mayor Murtaza Wahab, where he gave a detailed review of the BRT project on University Road and other ongoing development works, while FWO officials also provided information on the pace, quality and completion of the project.

Read: A child with Down syndrome “becomes CM for a day”

He also said that the restoration of Karachi’s main roads was included among the government’s priorities and that the city’s infrastructure was being adapted to modern needs.

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, MD Water Board, along with other senior officials, were also present with the Sindh Chief Minister.

Earlier this month, the Chief Minister distributed Rs 8 billion in funds among 105 partner organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to expand the province’s disability support programme.

At a ceremony held at the Chief Minister House, Shah said the province would further expand the program in partnership with more than 140 organizations. He added that four special parks for children with disabilities are being developed, along with a new 75-acre rehabilitation city.

He said “progress” on the initiative had been achieved through collaboration with partner organisations, adding that the government could provide resources but could not manage the institutions alone.

“There was a breakthrough in the sector when partner organizations joined hands with the government. More than 140 organisations, including small schools and larger institutions, are now working with the government,” he said.

Shah said he had made a personal effort to spend time with children with disabilities and reiterated his plans to develop a city dedicated to their rehabilitation and support.