The Punjab government has introduced the “New Life Program” aimed at aiding victims of acid attacks who often endure not just physical trauma but also financial hurdles in accessing reconstructive surgeries.
Despite initial treatments addressing immediate concerns, victims, especially women, often need multiple surgeries for complete rehabilitation.
In a poignant case, 35-year-old Samia Shahid, a resident of Liaquatabad Lahore and a mother of three, fell victim to an acid attack in May 2021.
The assailants, identified as her landlord, allegedly targeted her face, but the acid hit her arm, causing severe injuries.
This horrific act followed the assailants’ pursuit of her for friendship, culminating in the acid attack upon rejection.
Although Samia underwent initial treatment at Lahore General Hospital, doctors suggested amputating her arm due to worsening conditions.
She opted for surgery with the assistance of an NGO dedicated to aiding acid attack victims. While her arm wounds have healed, additional surgeries are necessary to address visible scars and lingering pain.
Acid attack victims often face substantial costs for multiple surgeries, ranging from 60,000 to 70,000 rupees per surgery.
These expenses burden the affected individuals and their families, as government hospitals do not cover reconstructive surgery.
Additionally, insurance companies in Pakistan typically exclude plastic surgery from their health policies, deeming it unrelated to human health and life.
The Punjab government’s 2020 initiative, the Nai Zindagi Program, allocated Rs 100 million for burn units to treat acid attack victims.
The recently launched New Life Program seeks to comprehensively address the needs of acid attack victims, encompassing medical, legal, and financial aspects.
Jahan Ara Vito, Chairperson of the Punjab Social Protection Authority, disclosed that 28 patients are currently registered under the burn program.
The New Life Program aims to extend support not only to victims but also to their families, providing legal and financial assistance.
Farwa Toqeer, regional head of the Smile Again Foundation. Stressed the importance of victims seeking treatment at government hospitals initially to facilitate legal proceedings.
The Smile Again Foundation, collaborating with private hospitals, performs reconstructive surgery on about 100 patients annually, offering discounted surgeries.
Dr. Kamran Khalid, Chief Executive of the burn center at Jinnah Hospital in Lahore. Highlighted the significance of the New Life Program, assuring that all necessary surgeries would be conducted free of cost.
Emphasizing the intricate nature of such surgeries, he underscored the program’s commitment to restoring patients’ body parts as closely as possible to their original form.
