ISLAMABAD, Dec 1: An artificial limb centre is being established at the National Institute of Handicapped for the rehabilitation of earthquake survivors with spinal injuries. Federal Health Minister Mohammad Nasir Khan stated this on the occasion of handing over of wheelchairs to special persons donated by a New York-based organization of Pakistanis at the National Institute of Handicapped.

The minister vowed to turn the National Institute of Handicapped into a centre of excellence for rehabilitation of patients with spinal injuries & life long disabilities. The Pakistan Civic Society handed over 560 wheelchairs to the minister. The society was represented by its president Dr Mohammad Khalid.

The wheel chairs have been donated by the New York-based Pakistan Civic Society in collaboration with the wheel chair foundation of the United States.

The Society has pledged 560 more wheel chairs to be handed over soon to the National Institute of Handicapped.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the wheel chairs would be provided to the earthquake victims with spinal injuries along with those admitted at the NIHd with lifelong disability.

Mr Khan while expressing his gratitude to the Pakistani Civic Society said Pakistanis living abroad have contributed in a big way towards relief and rehabilitation of their quake hit brethren.