Free and subsidised rehabilitation centres
Chal Foundation is a non-profit and a partner of the International Committee of the Red Cross. It runs a network of rehabilitation centres across the provinces that provide artificial limbs and other assistive devices to people with physical disabilities, free or at low cost.
In Karachi, The Indus Hospital opened a rehabilitation centre in 2015, developed with the ICRC and Chal Foundation, to make and fit artificial limbs free of cost for people who cannot afford them.
These organisations do valuable work. Expect assessments, waiting lists and a narrower choice of parts, and contact them directly for current eligibility and availability.
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal runs schemes for persons with disabilities that list artificial limbs, wheelchairs and financial assistance. According to its own guidance, an application is made on its form with a copy of the CNIC (or B-Form for a child) and a disability certificate or a NADRA CNIC with the disability logo. Medical assistance is subject to verification and is often arranged through government hospitals.
Rules and limits change, so check the current process with Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal before you apply.
Get your disability certificate first
Most support schemes ask for a disability certificate, and the NADRA CNIC with the disability logo follows from it. In Sindh, rights and services are set out in the Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2018. Our guide to the disability certificate and CNIC explains the steps.
Planning with family, including family abroad
Many legs are paid for by a family together, often with a son, daughter or brother working abroad. We send the written, itemised estimate on WhatsApp so everyone sees the same figures, and we are happy to explain the options to relatives by phone.
Starting simple and upgrading later
Most legs are modular. A sound local build now, with a better foot or liner added later, spreads the cost without leaving you without a leg. In the first year, while the stump is still changing, starting simple is often the wiser choice anyway.
Employers and insurance
Some employers and some health insurance policies contribute to an artificial leg, especially after a workplace accident. Ask your employer or insurer what they cover; we can provide an itemised written estimate to support the request.