Spinal Cord Injury Project for Pakistan Earthquake Rehabilitation (SCIPPER), Balakot (Completed)

Balakot Rehab Centre was one of the focal points initially planned by Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic & Orthotic Sciences (PIPOS) to provide orthotic and physiotherapy services to this area hit by a severe earthquake. The centre started in May 2006 in a tent and later on shifted to a prefabricated building. The services were planned for one year and were supposed to be shifted to PIPOS Rehab centre at DHQ hospital, Mansehra. However during its 1st year performance it was realized that the need was different and more serious than was initially planned. SCIP started in a TENT, now has its own building. In anticipation and assessing the ground realities, PIPOS initiated discussions with stakeholders interested in serving spinal cord injured persons (SCIP). It led to collaboration with DIRECT RELIEF INTERNATIONAL and SCIPPER (Real Medicine Foundation) in California, and Murshid Hospital & Health Care Centre (MHHCC), CHAL Network, supported by Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitative Medicine (AFIRM). DRI & SCIPPER through RMF contributed $50,000 & $10,000 respectively. Thus funding for about under two years was assured. Balakot Rehab Centre is now an active referral Rehab centre for Spinal Cord Injury Persons of the area who survived.