About the Project

Since 2013, SAARC Development Fund has been working with Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) in Bangladesh to provide scholarships to professionals from SAARC member states, who wish to pursue Master’s programme in rehabilitation science. In addition to the annual scholarships, an international hostel accommodating 60 students, library and computer lab for advanced research, and a 400 kVA power substation at CRP were also built.

The purpose of the project at CRP-Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI) is to build the capacity  of  health  and  rehabilitation  human resources  for  services,  education,  policy  and research in the SAARC region through development of   its   capability   to   deliver   regional,   inter- professional,   graduate   education   programmes with support from Queen’s University, Canada and York St. John’s University, United Kingdom. 

The project will contribute to the enhancement of the range and quality of basic health, disability, and rehabilitation services for the population of disabled people in Bangladesh and participating SAARC countries, and to facilitate their integration into mainstream society while supporting poverty reduction initiatives. Disability is a significant issue in South Asia and it is of utmost importance that high- quality therapists are trained and retained in the health professions to continue to develop services for disabled people.

Implementing Agency  

Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI), an Academic Institute of Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), Chapain, Savar, Dhaka-1343, Bangladesh.

Beneficiary Countries

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Beneficiary

Up to 25 Master’s students enrolled annually, and 50% of places will be reserved for students from the SAARC region.

Project Objectives

• To build the health and rehabilitation human resources for services, education, policy and research in the SAARC region through development of capacity of the BHPI, CRP to deliver regional, inter-professional, Master’s in Rehabilitation Science program with support from Queen’s University, Canada and York St. John University, UK.
• To create effective, modern learning facilities providing infrastructure, renowned resource person, access for students and faculty members to electronic and library resources and current teaching and learning technologies. 
• To create a cadre of leaders capable of advancing education, research and practice in the field of disability and rehabilitation in Bangladesh and participating countries of the SAARC region.
• Expected Outcome(s)/benefits
• A sustainable MSc Program in Rehabilitation Science at BHPI-CRP, Bangladesh;
• Learning networks will be established for translating graduate research into community client-centered and evidence-based practice, both in Bangladesh and participating SAARC countries; and
• Upgraded learning and accommodation facilities for students of SAARC Member States, enhancing significantly the learning environment and quality of learning experience.

Phase I:

Start Date: 1-Jun-2013

Project Period: 5 years

Total Budget: US $ 1,500,000.00

Status: Completed

Phase II:

Start Date: 2020

Total Budget: USD 1,569,750.00/-

Status: Ongoing