KP proposes Bionic Limb Lab to boost rehabilitation for disabled

PESHAWAR, April 8, 2026 – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has proposed establishing orthotics Prosthetic Labs for bionic artificial limbs under the Annual Development Program 2026-27, as part of a broader push for inclusive development across the province.

The proposal was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi at the Planning and Development Department, where he said uniform development of all districts remains the government’s top priority.

KP already hosts the country’s leading orthotics and prosthetics institution — the Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic and Orthotic Sciences (PIPOS) in Peshawar. Established in 1984, PIPOS has treated over 58,000 patients under government-supported programs, the highest of any province.

Nationally, orthotics services remain concentrated in major cities, with a shortage of trained prosthetists and no uniform quality standards. Most patients rely on out-of-pocket payments or charity.

The proposed KP Orthotic Prosthetic Lab would manufacture advanced bionic limbs — microprocessor-controlled devices currently expensive and largely imported. Officials said the initiative aims to make such technology accessible to disabled persons across the province, particularly in remote districts.

APP