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

Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah on Thursday said the provincial government has established 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, awarded in July, was completed and inaugurated two months ahead of schedule due to the collective efforts of the team involved.

The chief minister also mentioned that he had given a new task to his team: to establish a similar center in Sukkur, with the aim of extending these facilities to all divisional headquarters in Sindh.

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

“We will demonstrate this by making this city an exemplary and modern city with Down syndrome for the world,” he said.

Earlier, Shah also visited University Road in Karachi, accompanied by Mayor Murtaza Wahab, where he reviewed in detail the BRT project on University Road and other ongoing development works, while FWO officials also provided a briefing on the pace, quality and completion of the project.

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

He also said that restoration of Karachi’s major highways was among the government’s priorities and the city’s infrastructure was being brought into line with modern requirements.

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

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

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House, Shah said the province would further expand the program in partnership with over 140 organisations. He added that four special parks for children with disabilities were being developed, as well as a new 75-acre rehabilitation town.

He said the initiative’s “breakthrough” was achieved through collaboration with partner organizations, adding that the government could provide resources but could not manage the institutions alone.

“A breakthrough in the sector occurred when partner organizations joined forces with the government. More than 140 organizations – 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 intention to develop a city dedicated to their rehabilitation and support.