QUETTA | Balochistan Director General Social Welfare Mir Saifullah Khan Khetran has said the provincial government is spending approximately Rs100 million per month on medical treatment for underprivileged patients, while around 1,700 people received assistance for serious illnesses during the past year.
Around 1,700 patients received medical assistance last year; KUMAK program provides financial support, assistive devices, vocational training and interest-free loans to persons with disabilities
Speaking to state media, Khetran said the department was implementing welfare initiatives under Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s policy priorities to improve access to healthcare, special education and financial assistance.
He said approximately Rs800 million to Rs900 million had been spent annually on treatment assistance, while current monthly expenditure had reached around Rs100 million.
According to the director general, eligible patients received treatment for cancer, kidney diseases, bone marrow transplants and other complex medical conditions at hospitals including Aga Khan Hospital, Al-Shifa International Hospital and medical facilities in Karachi. Free medicines were also provided.
Balochistan Spending Rs100M Monthly on Patients’ Treatment: DG Khetran
Highlighting the KUMAK program, Khetran said persons with disabilities were receiving financial assistance, assistive devices, vocational training and interest-free loans to support employment and economic independence.
He added that eligible beneficiaries were also receiving ongoing financial assistance under the government’s prescribed policy.
Regarding special education, Khetran said the department was providing free textbooks, uniforms and meals to children enrolled in schools for students with disabilities.
He said a recently established modern school for deaf children currently enrolled approximately 400 students, with multimedia facilities and modern teaching methods supporting their education.
The director general reaffirmed the department’s commitment to expanding healthcare, education and welfare services, particularly for deserving families and persons with disabilities in remote areas of Balochistan.
