Al-Hail: Accelerating the supply of wheelchairs and monthly distribution of hearing aids to eligible recipients
Dr. Khalifa Al-Hila, Acting Deputy Director General of the Medical, Psychological, and Social Services Sector at the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities (PAPD), affirmed that the Authority continues to implement its plans aimed at developing and enhancing the quality of services provided to persons with disabilities, in accordance with rigorous technical and medical standards, ensuring swift execution and maximizing benefits for eligible beneficiaries.
Dr. Al-Hila explained that the Authority has signed several contracts for the supply of approximately 300 wheelchairs with specialized technical and medical specifications. He noted that the selection of these wheelchairs was based on recommendations from specialized technical and medical committees, which assess and evaluate each case individually to determine the appropriate type and specifications according to the individual’s health condition, actual functional needs, and specific disability requirements.
He added that the Authority has prioritized cooperation with specialized companies possessing high technical standards and expertise in assistive devices, which maintain maintenance centers and provide warranty and after-sales services. This ensures the quality of the supplied wheelchairs, rapid response to maintenance or repair needs, and the continuous usability of these devices by persons with disabilities.
Dr. Al-Hila pointed out that the Authority has established a clear action plan to address the wheelchair file, which includes accelerating supply and delivery procedures, monitoring contract implementation, and improving the efficiency of related technical and administrative processes. He emphasized that these steps will, God willing, help reduce waiting periods and gradually resolve existing requests, ultimately addressing issues associated with this file.
Regarding hearing aids, Dr. Al-Hila clarified that the Authority continues to distribute them monthly to eligible persons with hearing impairments, based on technical opinions from specialized medical committees. This process involves conducting necessary examinations for each case and selecting the most suitable hearing aid from both medical and technical perspectives to maximize the beneficiary’s benefit.
He stressed that hearing aid selection is not generalized or uniform; rather, it considers the varying degrees of hearing impairment and the specific needs of each case. The Authority is committed to providing the appropriate device that enhances the beneficiary’s ability to hear, communicate, and live more independently.
Concerning residents of the Al-Sulaibikhat and South Sabahia Social Care Centers, Dr. Al-Hila affirmed that the Authority is at the highest state of readiness. All approved emergency plans are activated around the clock, with continuous field monitoring by supervisory leaders and specialized technical teams to ensure the safety of residents and the uninterrupted provision of services.
He explained that operations within the care centers continue 24/7, with all medical, nursing, technical, psychological, and social staff, along with supervisors and workers, present according to approved schedules to serve residents and monitor their health, living, psychological, and social needs.
The Authority has provided all basic necessities for residents, including medications, medical supplies, food, hygiene products, and daily care items, alongside the availability of necessary technical, medical, and nursing staff. This ensures continuous care and the provision of a dignified life for residents under all circumstances.
Dr. Al-Hila noted that emergency plans include designated evacuation sites and safe assembly points, clear distribution of roles and responsibilities among staff, and guaranteed rapid response to any emergency situation, God forbid. Staff have received necessary training on implementing these plans and handling various emergency scenarios, in accordance with approved procedures and coordination with relevant authorities.
Dr. Al-Hila emphasized that the Authority prioritizes the safety and well-being of care center residents, continuously reviewing emergency plans, enhancing readiness levels, and strengthening stockpiles of essential materials to ensure that services remain unaffected under any circumstances.
Concluding his statement, Dr. Khalifa Al-Hila reaffirmed that the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities operates under a clear vision to develop and enhance service quality, mobilizing all human and technical resources to serve persons with disabilities. He stressed that the beneficiary’s interest remains the Authority’s top priority, and efforts continue to deliver high-quality services befitting persons with disabilities and meeting their needs.
