Pakistan Clubfoot
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About Clubfoot
This policy ensures that children in Pakistan suffering from clubfoot receive the necessary treatmentand support they deserve.
By collaborating with dedicated Hospitals, we aim to bring about asignificant change in the lives of these children and work towards a future where no child in Pakistansuffers from untreated clubfoot.−
This policy offers a holistic view of clubfoot management in Pakistan, providing context to thecreation and mission of the Pakistan Clubfoot brace bank.
This policy explicitly states the need for requesting hospital to provide verification of their entriesinto the Iowa Clubfoot Registry, ensuring accountability and proper tracking of patients
By collaborating with dedicated Hospitals, we aim to bring about asignificant change in the lives of these children and work towards a future where no child in Pakistansuffers from untreated clubfoot.−
This policy offers a holistic view of clubfoot management in Pakistan, providing context to thecreation and mission of the Pakistan Clubfoot brace bank.
This policy explicitly states the need for requesting hospital to provide verification of their entriesinto the Iowa Clubfoot Registry, ensuring accountability and proper tracking of patients
We are grateful for the continued support from Todd Becker,
Clubfoot Solutions with their generous donations
Clubfoot Solutions with their generous donations
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Clubfoot Solutions
1. BACK GROUNDOF CLUBFOOT MANAGEMENT, DEVELOPMENT, AND TREATMENT IN PAKISTAN
1.1 Overview of Clubfoot in Pakistan Clubfoot, known medically as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is one of the most common birth deformities In Pakistan, approximately 7,500 children are born with clubfoot every year, but only a minor number of them receive proper treatment. Despite its prevalence, a considerable number of cases remain untreated or are managed inappropriately due to a lack of awareness, resources, or trained professionals.
1.2 Historical Management Historically, traditional methods involving manipulations and various indigenous practices were employed, often resulting in suboptimal outcomes and recurrence. While the intentions were rooted in helping the child, the lack of scientific evidence backing these methods often left many with residual deformities and painful feet.
1.3 Evolution in Treatment Modalities With advancements in medical science and global outreach, the Ponseti method of treatment, which emphasizes gentle manipulation and casting followed by brace application, was introduced in Pakistan. This method has shown a high success rate worldwide and has gradually become the gold standard for clubfoot management in Pakistan.
1.4 Challenges in Clubfoot Management in Pakistan
1. Awareness: One of the primary challenges has been raising awareness among general public and healthcare professionals alike. Myths and stigma associated with clubfoot often hinder early intervention.
2. Access to Care: While urban centers in Pakistan have seen an increase in specialized care, rural and remote areas remain underserved.
3. Training and Capacity Building: There is an urgent need for continuous training programs to update health professionals on the latest techniques and ensure uniformity in treatment protocols.
4. Sustainability: Although initial treatments are often successful, the long-term compliance with bracing, which is crucial for preventing recurrence, remains a challenge due to economic, educational, and logistical reasons.
1.5 The Role of the Pakistan Clubfoot Brace Bank Recognizing these challenges and in alignment with global best practices, the Pakistan Clubfoot Brace Bank was conceptualized as a pivotal initiative to support the national effort in eradicating untreated clubfoot. By partnering with hospitals/ NGOs and facilitating access to quality braces, the brace bank aims to fill the gaps in the treatment chain, ensuring that every child with clubfoot can lead a life without disability
1.2 Historical Management Historically, traditional methods involving manipulations and various indigenous practices were employed, often resulting in suboptimal outcomes and recurrence. While the intentions were rooted in helping the child, the lack of scientific evidence backing these methods often left many with residual deformities and painful feet.
1.3 Evolution in Treatment Modalities With advancements in medical science and global outreach, the Ponseti method of treatment, which emphasizes gentle manipulation and casting followed by brace application, was introduced in Pakistan. This method has shown a high success rate worldwide and has gradually become the gold standard for clubfoot management in Pakistan.
1.4 Challenges in Clubfoot Management in Pakistan
1. Awareness: One of the primary challenges has been raising awareness among general public and healthcare professionals alike. Myths and stigma associated with clubfoot often hinder early intervention.
2. Access to Care: While urban centers in Pakistan have seen an increase in specialized care, rural and remote areas remain underserved.
3. Training and Capacity Building: There is an urgent need for continuous training programs to update health professionals on the latest techniques and ensure uniformity in treatment protocols.
4. Sustainability: Although initial treatments are often successful, the long-term compliance with bracing, which is crucial for preventing recurrence, remains a challenge due to economic, educational, and logistical reasons.
1.5 The Role of the Pakistan Clubfoot Brace Bank Recognizing these challenges and in alignment with global best practices, the Pakistan Clubfoot Brace Bank was conceptualized as a pivotal initiative to support the national effort in eradicating untreated clubfoot. By partnering with hospitals/ NGOs and facilitating access to quality braces, the brace bank aims to fill the gaps in the treatment chain, ensuring that every child with clubfoot can lead a life without disability
2. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF THE POLICY
The Pakistan Clubfoot Brace Bank (hereafter referred to as the "Brace Bank") is established at the Indus Hospital & Health Network in collaboration with “Amer Haider Charitable Foundation & Friends” and “Clubfoot Solutions” with the sole purpose of ensuring that every child with clubfoot in Pakistan receives adequate and timely treatment. Managed by the Indus Hospital & Health Network, the brace bank aims to provide braces to needy children through registered hospitals within Pakistan.
3. MISSION STATEMENT
Eliminate untreated clubfoot in Pakistan by providing quality braces and ensuring their effective utilization.
4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR HOSPITALS
4.1. The hospital must be registered within Pakistan.
4.2. The hospital must be committed to providing the holistic clubfoot care including manipulation & casting and tenotomy along with the free of cost braces to the patients and sustained follow-up till four-year of age.
4.3. Prior to or at the time of the brace request, the requesting hospital must input relevant details into the Iowa Clubfoot Registry for each child who has received or will receive the brace. Verification of this input must be provided by submitting a screenshot of the relevant entry/entries in the registry.
4.2. The hospital must be committed to providing the holistic clubfoot care including manipulation & casting and tenotomy along with the free of cost braces to the patients and sustained follow-up till four-year of age.
4.3. Prior to or at the time of the brace request, the requesting hospital must input relevant details into the Iowa Clubfoot Registry for each child who has received or will receive the brace. Verification of this input must be provided by submitting a screenshot of the relevant entry/entries in the registry.
5. PROCEDURE TO REQUEST BRACES
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5.a) By The Hospital/ Clubfoot Clinics
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5.b) By The Parent/ Guardian
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5.a.1. Requesters must be authorized on the International Clubfoot Registry (ICR) and willing to enter data.
Click here for ICR registration Click here for the process to create an ICR account. 5.a.2. Requesters can email a formal request to the Brace Bank by filling out an application form. This form will capture the details of the requester, patients, estimated number of braces needed, complete mailing address and the regions they operate in. Click here for the application form for hospitals/ clinics. 5.a.3. Along with the application form, requesting hospital must also attach the verification screenshots from the International Clubfoot Registry for each child in need of a brace. Click here for the process to get a screenshot. 5.a.4. The application will be reviewed by a committee within 7 working days, after which the requester will be informed of the decision by email. |
5.b.1. In case a parent/ guardian is requesting directly for a brace for their child, they will also be required to fill out an application form as mentioned in clause number 5.a.1. Click here for the application form for parents.
5.b.2. Parents must share a picture or a video of their child. A video call can also be made by the Brace Bank committee for the verification. 5.b.3. For subsequent braces, the parent/ guardian will be required to send back the previous brace to the Brace Bank which will then issue and send the new brace. 5.b.4. The Brace Bank reserves the right to conduct periodic on-site checks or audits to ensure the accurate use of the braces |
6. USAGE VERIFICATION AND REPORTING (Hospitals/ Clubfoot Clinics only)
6.1. For every child fitted with a brace, the requesting hospital must register the case in the Iowa Clubfoot Registry.
6.2. Details to be captured in the registry include patient’s name, age, gender, location, date of fitting, and any other pertinent medical information.
6.3. Once an entry is made in the registry, a screenshot of the said entry must be forwarded to the designated email address of the Brace Bank for verification purposes.
6.4. The Brace Bank reserves the right to conduct periodic on-site checks or audits to ensure the accurate use and reporting of the braces.
6.2. Details to be captured in the registry include patient’s name, age, gender, location, date of fitting, and any other pertinent medical information.
6.3. Once an entry is made in the registry, a screenshot of the said entry must be forwarded to the designated email address of the Brace Bank for verification purposes.
6.4. The Brace Bank reserves the right to conduct periodic on-site checks or audits to ensure the accurate use and reporting of the braces.
7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF
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7.a) The Requesting Hospitals / Clubfoot Clinics
7.b.1. Ensure that the braces are provided free of cost to the patients and are solely used for the purpose of treating children with clubfoot.
7.b.1. Train staff in the correct methods of fitting the brace and providing necessary patient education. 7.b.1. Maintain transparency in reporting and promptly respond to any inquiries from the Brace Bank. 7.b.1. Engage with communities to raise awareness about clubfoot and the availability of treatment options |
7.b) The Requesting Parent / Guardian
7.b.1. Ensure that the braces are solely used for the purpose of treating children with clubfoot.
7.b.2. Promptly respond to any inquiries from the Brace Bank. 7.b.3. Engage with communities to raise awareness about clubfoot and the availability of treatment options. 7.b.4. Ensure that the braces are not sold. |
8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BRACE BANK
8.1. Review and process requests in a timely manner.
8.2. Ensure a sufficient stock of braces to meet demand. Limitations are based on funding and the Brace Bank may not have braces in the future.
8.3. Offer training and support to requester to ensure proper usage of braces.
8.4. Monitor and audit brace distribution and usage to ensure transparency and adherence to the mission.
8.2. Ensure a sufficient stock of braces to meet demand. Limitations are based on funding and the Brace Bank may not have braces in the future.
8.3. Offer training and support to requester to ensure proper usage of braces.
8.4. Monitor and audit brace distribution and usage to ensure transparency and adherence to the mission.
9. CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
9.1. If the requester/ hospital is found to be misusing the braces or not adhering to the reporting procedures, the Brace Bank reserves the right to:
− Withdraw support from the Brace Bank.
− Ask for a return of unused braces.
− Report the requester/ hospital to Clubfoot Solutions for further action, which may impact relationship with Ponseti and Clubfoot Solutions.
− Withdraw support from the Brace Bank.
− Ask for a return of unused braces.
− Report the requester/ hospital to Clubfoot Solutions for further action, which may impact relationship with Ponseti and Clubfoot Solutions.
10. REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
The policy will be reviewed bi-annually or as needed. Feedback is welcomed from all stakeholders to enhance the efficiency and impact of the Brace Bank.
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11. CONTACT
DETAILS |
12. FOR DONATION TO PEHLA QADAM
click here |
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Pakistan Clubfoot Brace Bank
Managed by: Indus Hospital & Health Network Address: Plot C-76, Sector 31/5, Opposite Darussalam Society Korangi Crossing, Karachi - 75190, Pakistan. Phone: 0333-1027833 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Visit our website: Pehla Qadam Visit our Facebook page: Pehla Qadam |
- Recommended donation for braces $100
- Recommended donation for a clubfoot child $280 |
