RTEH in Muzaffargarh Celebrates Victory Over Clubfoot

In a heartening event titled “Clubfoot say Jeet ka Jashan,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital (RTEH), Muzaffargarh, commemorated the successful treatment of children with congenital clubfoot. This celebration brought together recovered children, their families, healthcare professionals, and esteemed guests.

Dr. Gauhar Nawaz Khan, Head of the Orthopedic Department, and Dr. Hassan Raza, Orthopedic Consultant at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, including Dr. Muhammad Amin Chinoy, Executive Director of IHHN’s Physical Rehabilitation Directorate and Head of Orthopedics at IHHN; and Dr. Khalil Gill, Former Professor at Nishter Hospital Multan.

Dr. Gauhar Nawaz Khan passionately highlighted the success of the “Pehla Qadam” program, which was inaugurated in 2017 with the primary objective of providing comprehensive treatment to children born with congenital clubfoot. Over the course of four years, children with clubfoot at RTEH, through the Pehla Qadam Program, have experienced complete healing, enabling them to walk without hindrance, just like any other child without deformities.

The statistical testament to the program’s efficacy is impressive, with 40 children successfully treated in 2021, 30 in 2022, and another 35 in 2023. This brings the total number of registered children at RTEH to an admirable count of 588. These figures underscore not only the program’s impact on individual lives but also its broader success in addressing congenital clubfoot and fostering a hopeful future for affected children.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Amin Chinoy expressed commitment towards their mission, ensuring no child lags behind due to clubfoot. He praised the impactful work of the Pehla Qadam Team, acknowledging the substantial number of children recovering annually from this condition.

Professor Dr. Khalil Gill applauded RTEH for not only catering to local children with congenital foot deformities but also welcoming children from remote areas and provinces for treatment.

Sadia Ahmad, Deputy Manager, expressed, “Our ‘Pehla Qadam’ initiative is steadily progressing towards success. Each year, children born with congenital clubfoot are being registered, and are undergoing treatment. Our aim is to treat children affected by clubfoot and transform their lives into a successful and normal existence. Thanks to the grace of the Almighty, we are gradually achieving success in this endeavor.”

A notable aspect of the Pehla Qadam Program is that all treatments at RTEH are provided free of cost with hospital’s holistic support, including travel fare for children’s follow-up visits. RTEH aims to bridge the societal gap for differently-abled individuals. This commitment underscores the hospital’s dedication to ensure that every child, regardless of their economic background, has access to quality healthcare.

During the event, certificates and goody bags were distributed to the children, and engaging activities like magic and juggling shows were organized, bringing immense joy to all attendees.