SIALKOT, May 3: At least 500 wheelchairs worth Rs12 million were distributed on Friday among the destitute and the disabled of Daska, Sialkot and Pasrur tehsils.

The ceremony was held by “The Mobility Project” at Inayat Begum Memorial Trust Hospital, Kotli Noonan, Sialkot district.

The wheelchairs were donated by philanthropists of America.

Joseph Pitts, a US Congressman, during his visit to Pakistan had assured Gen Pervez Musharraf for the donation on humanitarian basis.

Speaking on the occasion, leader of the visiting US delegation Mr Ray Terral, said that all means and modes were being mobilized for the betterment of the disabled of this area. Lisa Murphy, Dr Jeaf Murphy, Alen Rice, Penny Frank and Michael were also present on the occasion.

Talking to Dawn, Inayat Begum Memorial Trust Hospital president Chaudhry Omar Nisar Ghumman said that a modern medical complex costing 10 million dollars would be established at Kotli Noonan.

The complex, he said, would comprise 12 beds and more than 200,000 patients would get treatment facilities annually. He said the project would be completed with the financial assistance of US philanthropists.

Arrangements were in the final stage to establish a nursing training institute in the area, he said and added that US doctors and highly trained staff would impart the training.

Mr Ghumman thanked the US delegation for the donation of wheelchairs.