Dhaka: The Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) is a voluntary philanthropic organisation, focusing on a holistic approach to provide with medical support, and rehabilitation of physically challenged people.

Valerie Ann Taylor, a British-born physiotherapist and humanitarian, established the CRP in 1979, where around 50,000 outpatients are given medical care every year.

CRP-Savar is the head office for the CRP, which was built in 1990 on approximately 13 acres of land. 

Since its inception, CRP has been working to provide treatment, rehabilitation and support services focusing on physical, emotional, social, psychological and economic aspects.

Besides, CRP also works to promote the development of skilled personnel in health care and rehabilitation in the country and the region.

‘CRP has already developed sub-centres in 64 upazilla of 11 districts. Moreover, CRP has expanded the services for disabled people in 115 upazilla’s of 13 districts in collaboration with Social Welfare Department’, said CRP executive director Shafiq-ul Islam.

CRP’s executive and administrative offices are located at Savar. The centre is comprised of main medical departments, service units, hospital and operating facilities.

Moreover, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI), CRP Nursing College, William and Marie Taylor School and various other activities are also being operated from this centre.

CRP Savar centre has sports and recreational facilities.

’50 per cent of the centre’s expenditure is drawn from our own fund’, said Shafiq-ul Islam.

‘We get 20-25 per cent of our funding from international donors such as International Red Cross, ILO etc.’

‘Valerie Ann Taylor has a Trust in UK, which gives 10 per cent of our funding, and the rest are collected from various sources,’ Islam added.  

CRP utilises several components to achieve its goals. It provides physical rehabilitation through medical and therapeutic interventions and the provision of appropriate mobility aids.

Psychological rehabilitation is made through counselling and sharing of experiences.

CRP provides Economic rehabilitation through vocational re-training and assistance in securing micro-credit loans.

Planned discharge

For a successful reintegration into the community, CRP ensures that the home environment is as safe and accessible as possible and that local residents are educated about disability, its causes and consequences.

The holistic nature of CRP’s work is reflected in the fact that its work covers several areas of development including human rights, poverty alleviation, health care provision and education. CRP has three functioning sub-centres throughout Bangladesh.

CRP’s accident and disability prevention programmes include research components and aim to educate vulnerable groups on safe working and living practices.

‘Advocacy and networking activities bring CRP’s work to the attention of relevant officials and promote improved co-ordination among the many organisation with which CRP works,’ said Islam.

‘Awareness raising and publicity campaigns inform the population of relevant issues and attempt to break down the barriers, superstitions and stigmas which prevent disabled people from enjoying equal rights and opportunities.

CRP is the only organisation of its kind in Bangladesh’.

Education programme

CRP works for higher education as well. BHPI commenced its activities since 1992. The institute has several hundred students. The institute, operated under Dhaka University, has several departments: BSC in Physiotherapy, BSC in Occupational Therapy, and BSC in Speech and Language Therapy. Besides, the institute provides offers post-graduation in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Science.    

Honouring Valerie A Taylor

Valerie Ann Taylor was granted Bangladeshi citizenship in 1998 for her immense service in the health sector. She has been working for restoring the lives of the poor and the disabled. She received Independence Award, the highest civilian award of the country, in 2004. In 2005, she received the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1995, and the Arthur Eyre Brook Gold Medal in 1996. Valerie also has numerous awards, and accolades to her credit for her philanthropic activities.  

Address:

Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP)

CRP— CRP-Chapain, Savar, Dhaka 1343, Bangladesh

Tel: (880)2 7745464/5; Fax: (880)2 7745069

email: contact@crp-bangladesh.org