Al-Hail: Accelerating the supply of wheelchairs and monthly distribution of hearing aids to eligible recipients

Nada Abunasser confirmed that Dr. Khalifa Al-Hila, Acting Deputy Director General of the Medical, Psychological, and Social Services Sector at the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities, stated that the Authority continues to implement its plans aimed at developing services provided to persons with disabilities and enhancing their quality based on studied technical and medical foundations, 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 relevant technical and medical committees, which study and evaluate each case individually to determine the type and specifications of the chair according to the person’s health condition and actual functional needs.

He added that the Authority has prioritized cooperation with several specialized companies possessing high technical standards and expertise in prosthetic devices, which maintain maintenance centers and provide warranty and after-sales services. This ensures the quality of the provided wheelchairs, rapid response to maintenance or repair needs, and the continuity of benefits for persons with disabilities.

He pointed out that the Authority has established a clear action plan to address the issue of wheelchairs, 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 address existing requests, ultimately resolving 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 disabilities, based on technical opinions issued by specialized medical committees. This process follows necessary examinations for each case and the selection of the most suitable hearing aid from medical and technical perspectives, ensuring maximum benefit for the user.

He stressed that hearing aid selection is not generic or uniform; rather, it considers the varying degrees of hearing impairment and the specific needs of each case. The Authority is committed to providing appropriate devices that enhance users’ hearing and communication abilities, enabling them to live better lives.

Concerning residents of the Al-Sulaibikhat and South Sabahia Social Care Centers, Dr. Al-Hila affirmed that the Authority is at the highest level 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 two care centers continue 24 hours a day. All medical, nursing, technical, psychological, and social staff, along with supervisors and workers, are present according to approved schedules to serve residents and monitor their health, living, psychological, and social needs.

He added that the Authority has provided all basic needs for residents, including medicines, medical supplies, food items, hygiene products, and daily care essentials, alongside the availability of necessary technical, medical, and nursing staff. This ensures continuous care and the provision of dignified living conditions under all circumstances.

He noted that emergency plans include designating evacuation sites and safe assembly points, distributing roles and responsibilities among staff, and ensuring rapid response to any emergency situation, God forbid. He stated that staff have received necessary training on how to implement these plans and handle various emergency scenarios, following approved procedures and in 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 stocks of essential materials to ensure that services remain unaffected under any circumstances.

Dr. Khalifa Al-Hila concluded his statement by reaffirming that the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities operates under a clear vision to develop services and enhance their quality, mobilizing all human and technical resources to serve persons with disabilities. He stressed that the beneficiary’s interest will always remain the Authority’s top priority, and that efforts continue to provide high-quality services befitting persons with disabilities and meeting their needs.