PESHAWAR: Except a few, most of the survivors of the Army Public School’s massacre last year, have recovered from the injuries and are able to live like normal people.

However, a few of them, who received grievous injuries, are still nursing their injuries they sustained in the Taliban’s onslaught.

The parents of some of the students appreciate government for its prompt response to provide rapid treatment to the injured students while others point finger at the level of government’s cooperation in treatment of the victims.

Most of the survivors have recovered and live normal life

Said Karim, whose son then a 9th grader, was among the 73 students, who suffered major injuries, says that he is unable to walk. He says that his son has become a handicap owing to the attitude of federal and provincial governments.

However, the provincial government’s document shows that each of the victims was paid Rs200, 000 for minor and Rs400, 000 for major injuries as compensation. “We have established psychosocial rehabilitation centre for the grief-stricken families and those who escaped the mayhem,” it says.

Mr Karim says that government did provide some compensation to them but now it has asked for vouchers of payment of treatment. “Government has asked us to submit receipts of treatment and deposit the unspent amount,” he adds.

Mr Karim, the vice president of Ghazi Forum, says that his son Talha Karim received chest and spine injuries for which he is still being treated. “Many of the Forum’s members are unhappy with the government and want specialised treatment for the complicated injuries of their sons,” he adds.

The attack, which left about 150 people killed, mostly students, also caused wounds to125 others many of whom underwent successive surgeries for their head, abdominal and other injuries. Some of them had to be treated for wounds, fractured limbs and traumas, which left subsequent physical effects on them.

Dr Ghulam Subhani, deputy medical superintendent of Lady Reading Hospital, says that most of the patients were admitted and treated from the special funds created for the victims of terrorism and natural calamities, such as earthquake and floods.

“LRH receives bulk of the victims of blasts and suicide attacks. It is well-equipped to provide free treatment to all because it is totally free and separate fund,” Dr Subhani said.

Mushtaq Ali, a private employee, says that he is grateful to Almighty Allah for giving his son a new lease of life. “Surviving that day was a blessing. My son is right now,” he adds.

Mr Ali says that his son has still steel rods in his arm but he is fine. “He received timely treatment, first at the accident and emergency department of LRH and then at CMH Peshawar,” he says.

Some of the children still have bullets in their bodies but they face no trouble. The bullets would be removed on the doctor’s advice.

Dr Mahboobur Rehman, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa coordinator for disabilities, says that the children require physical therapy to prevent contractures and return to normal lives. “They can regain physical strength through regular exercises.

Physiotherapy services have now been made available in all district headquarters hospitals to facilitate the people after treatment of their wounds or surgeries,” he adds.

Dr Rehman, head of physiotherapy department at Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, says that children stand more chances of physical rehabilitation following healing of their wounds. He suggests that parents should go for physical therapy to be able to restore the health of their children.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2015