By: Ghulam Hussain Ghazi
On the occasion of World Clubfoot Day (a global awareness day for congenital foot deformities in children), a vibrant event was held at the Paraplegic Center Peshawar, echoing the celebrations across the country. Children who had recovered from clubfoot participated enthusiastically. Parents shared their heartfelt experiences and the medical staff highlighted the importance of consistent treatment. The Chief Executive of the center, Dr. Syed Muhammad Ilyas, was chief guest. He distributed toys and sweets among the children, cut a cake with a recovered young girl while awareness material was disseminated to educate the public on clubfoot, a treatable condition if addressed timely and correctly.
World Clubfoot Day is observed globally every year on June 3rd. Clubfoot is a congenital deformity in which one or both feet of a child are twisted inward. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent disability. This day also serves as a tribute to Spanish orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, who, in the mid-20th century, introduced a non-surgical and highly effective method for treating clubfoot. Before this, the condition was often considered incurable and affected children were destined for a life long painful disability. The Ponseti Method involves a systematic process of correcting the foot using plaster casts, followed by a minor surgical procedure called tenotomy and finally the use of braces to maintain the corrected position. Today, this method is widely practiced in both developed and developing countries, having transformed the lives of millions of children.
In Pakistan, the role of Paraplegic Center Peshawar in the treatment of clubfoot is both prominent and praiseworthy. Established during the 1980s to rehabilitate individuals injured in the Soviet-Afghan war, the Center has since evolved into a comprehensive rehabilitation facility under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Syed Muhammad Ilyas. In 2018, the first Clubfoot Home was set up at the Center with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Its mission: to provide free-of-cost treatment to children from remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Northern Pakistan, along with travel and lodging support for their underprivileged families, ensuring that these children recover in a stress-free environment.
Later, in 2022, in collaboration with the global organization MiracleFeet, the clinic was upgraded to meet modern standards while its network was expanded to various cities within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and subsequently to major cities in other provinces, a process that continues to till date. Today, these Clubfoot Clinics have emerged as premier centers for treatment and rehabilitation, where staff work tirelessly around the clock, following international protocols.
At the heart of this monumental effort stands Dr. Syed Muhammad Ilyas, the visionary head of the Paraplegic Center. His foresight, professional expertise and unwavering dedication to public service have turned a dream into a transformative reality. Not only is he a certified Ponseti practitioner himself but he has also established a network of clinics in Peshawar, Abbottabad, Swat, Swabi, Haripur, Islamabad and Azad Kashmir, with plans underway to open more in Gilgit and Bannu. These centers feature highly trained staff, digital monitoring systems, parental training and continuous follow-up services.
Not long ago, the center celebrated the recovery of 5,000 children, successfully reintegrating them into society. As of June 3 this year, an additional 71 children have recovered, bringing the total to 5,071.
These figures are not mere statistics, it represent the restored hope and happiness of thousands of underprivileged families whose children can now walk unaided. In this regard, Dr. Ilyas is not just a medical professional, but a visionary leader who has shown that a sincere combination of compassion, hard work and modern medical techniques can lead to meaningful societal change. His services are both admirable and exemplary.
It is now time for the state to formally recognize his silent yet devoted service and award him with the highest national honors. Such recognition will not only honor a deserving individual but also inspire other institutions across the country to adopt this noble mission. Truly, a living nation acknowledges its heroes during their lifetime.
World Clubfoot Day is not a mere ceremonial observance, it is part of an ongoing struggle towards a disability-free, dignified and healthy society. In this mission, Paraplegic Center Peshawar, its affiliated Clubfoot Clinics and above all, the dynamic leadership of Dr. Ilyas Syed, stand as a blessing for the nation. They remind us that with sincere intent, clear vision and sustained effort, no disability is insurmountable, nor is there any lack of expertise or resources in our beloved homeland to build world-class medical institutions.
