ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Dr. Arif Alvi has emphasized the need for undertaking all possible measures to extend benefits of the modern-day technology to differently-abled people and those affected by the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases.
While chairing a meeting on Assistive Technology at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Thursday, the president said that improving access to Assistive Technology (AT) for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) would greatly help in addressing the challenges being faced by them.
The meeting was attended by the WHO Country Representative/Head of Mission Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the Technical Advisor WHO Dr. Maryam Mallick, the Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Aon Abbas Buppi, and the Director General (Health) at the Ministry of National Health Services Dr. Malik Muhammad Safi.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala gave a detailed presentation on the importance of Assistive Technology for the PWDs.
The WHO Country Representative highlighted that AT supported six functional domains i.e., Vision, Hearing, Mobility, Communication, Cognition and Environment.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala briefed the meeting about the initiatives taken by the WHO seeking global cooperation on AT.
Highlighting the importance of Assistive Technology Products, the president said that the use of AT by PWDs could enormously help them in improving their lot.
President Arif Alvi said that AT was drawing commitment at global and regional levels and the government of Pakistan was making efforts to improve access for AT to PWDs and ensure their financial and social inclusion.
The president appreciated the efforts made by the WHO to seek enhanced global cooperation on AT.
