PSRD

There has been a alight increase in the number of patients seen and number of appliances produced compared to last year. The number of patients increased from 2803 to 2971 while the production increased from 3501 to 3616. The main focus of the year has been on the October earthquake in NWFP and Azad Kashmir. Within four days of the earthquake our orthopaedic surgeon with necessary paramedical team were functioning in Mansehra. The estimate of the number of amputees varied from 700 to 1,000 who would require lower limb appliances. However in view of the healing process, the appliances would not be required before 3-4 months, thus giving us upto January - February 2006 to establish a base in the earthquake and to function properly. Because of unpredictable landslides and blocking of roads, availability of accommodation and great distance, it was decided to establish a base for the Orothotic & Prosthetic Centre in Abbottabad.
This location has the advantages of being able to cater for the patients from Azad Kashmir and NWFP. Our mobile workshop is located at the Abbottabad base, which at present, visits on a weekly basis, patients in Balakot. Where necessary arrangements have been made with the Pakistan Army. Also similarly Battal is visited through the courtesy of the District Civil Hospital. A third location at Ghari Habibullah is being explored.