QUETTA, Dec 3: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will set up a Balochistan Physical Rehabilitation Centre in Quetta in collaboration with the provincial government to rehabilitate the disabled people.

The centre will manufacture artificial limbs, supportive devices, crutches and wheelchairs designed according to the needs of people suffering from various disabilities.

Speaking at a programme organised to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday, Ms Celiatissiera, head of the ICRC’s sub-delegation, said a centre launched in the Mission Hospital in 2004 was catering to the needs of over 1,000 people a year.

“Over 11,000 people with disabilities have been given treatment and rehabilitated so far,” she said.

A large number of disabled persons who have been rehabilitated by the ICRC attended the function. The consul general of France in Quetta was the chief guest.

Ms Celiatissiera said the ICRC wanted to work with the provincial government to open more such centres across Balochistan.

She said the ICRC was providing scholarships to the disabled people to study for a four-year diploma in physical rehabilitation, adding that after obtaining the diploma they would work for at least four years in the Quetta centre.

“Our three students are studying in Peshawar and one has been sent to Tanzania for this purpose,” she said.

She said ICRC was determined to press ahead with its efforts to address the special needs of the disabled people and help them play an active role in every aspect of life.