Punjab govt launches ‘New Life Program’ to provide support for acid attack victims

LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched the “New Life Program” to support victims of acid attacks who often endure not only physical trauma but also financial challenges in accessing reconstructive surgeries. While initial treatments may address immediate concerns, victims, particularly women, often require multiple surgeries for complete rehabilitation.

Samia Shahid, a 35-year-old resident of Liaquatabad Lahore and a mother of three, became a victim of an acid attack in May 2021. The assailants targeted her face, but the acid hit her arm, causing severe injuries. The attackers, identified as her landlord, allegedly pursued her for friendship, and upon rejection, resorted to this heinous act.

Samia underwent initial treatment at Lahore General Hospital, where doctors suggested amputating her arm due to worsening conditions. However, she refused, opting for surgery with the assistance of an NGO dedicated to aiding acid attack victims. While her arm wounds have healed, additional surgeries are needed to address visible scars and lingering pain.

Acid attack victims often require multiple surgeries, with costs ranging from 60,000 to 70,000 rupees per surgery. Unfortunately, these expenses fall on the affected individuals and their families, as government hospitals do not cover reconstructive surgery. Furthermore, insurance companies in Pakistan typically exclude plastic surgery from their health policies, considering it unrelated to human health and life.

In 2020, the Punjab government initiated the Nai Zindagi Program to treat burn victims from acid attacks and other accidents, allocating Rs 100 million for burn units across various cities. The recently activated New Life Program aims to comprehensively treat acid attack victims, covering medical, legal, and financial aspects.

Jahan Ara Vito, Chairperson of the Punjab Social Protection Authority, revealed that 28 patients are currently registered under the burn program. The New Life Program aims to extend support not only to the victims but also to their families, providing legal and financial assistance.

Farwa Toqeer, the regional head of Smile Again Foundation, emphasized the importance of victims initially seeking treatment at government hospitals to facilitate legal proceedings. The Smile Again Foundation, performing reconstructive surgery on about 100 patients annually, collaborates with private hospitals to offer discounted surgeries.

Dr. Kamran Khalid, Chief Executive of the burn center at Jinnah Hospital in Lahore, stressed the significance of the New Life Program, assuring that all necessary surgeries would be conducted free of cost. Recognizing the intricate nature of such surgeries, he highlighted the need for intervals between procedures, emphasizing the program’s commitment to restoring patients’ body parts as closely as possible to their original form.