MAKING DISABILITY CERTIFICATES HASSLE-FREE

August 9, 2021: The disability certificate is very important for persons with disabilities (PWDs) because it allows them to avail the benefits and facilities that they are rightfully entitled to by the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan. However, the process of acquiring the certificate is very lengthy and complicated as an applicant has to visit three offices – the Social Welfare Department, Labour Department and DHQ Hospital – to complete the process of getting registered as a disabled person, which enables them to avail the benefits and facilities reserved for them by the government. To make the process simpler, TDEA’s regional mentor, along with the Coalition for Inclusive Pakistan’s (CIP) representatives from Gilgit, advocated with Dr. Farmanullah, Medical Superintendent, Provincial Headquarters Hospital, Gilgit. The purpose was to develop a one-window operation for PWDs to avoid undertaking multiple visits to acquire a disability certificate. During the meeting, it was suggested by the CIP members that the officials of the Medical Examination Board and Social Welfare Department issue the disability certificates under one roof, on two specific days in the first and last week of each month. Mr. Farmanullah lauded the efforts of CIP and assured that the hospital management will take all possible steps to facilitate the issuance of disability certificate and provide other facilities. He also gave his assurance that he will work to formulate a strategy after further coordination meetings for issuance of disability certificates under one-window operation as per CIP’s proposal.