The Board of Directors of the Fund for the Care and Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities held its regular meeting today at the headquarters of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour in the capital, Aden. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mukhtar Al-Yafaei, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour and Chairman of the Fund’s Board of Directors, to discuss the Fund’s financial and administrative situation, as well as ways to strengthen its resources and enhance its capacity to meet its obligations towards persons with disabilities.

The Board discussed mechanisms for collecting and remitting the statutory fees owed to the Fund, the level of implementation of the Cabinet decision concerning the adjustment of the Fund’s fee rates, and the revenue report. It also reviewed the latest developments concerning the rehabilitation and operation of the hospital designated for persons with disabilities, as well as the possibility of establishing Fund branches in a number of liberated governorates, subject to the provision of the necessary requirements to ensure the continuity of their operations.

Minister Al-Yafaei stressed that caring for persons with disabilities is both a humanitarian and institutional responsibility that requires intensified efforts to protect their rights and respond to their needs, particularly in light of the repercussions of the war and prevailing economic conditions. He underscored the need to address shortcomings related to the Fund’s resources and develop mechanisms for collecting its statutory dues in a manner that strengthens the stability and sustainability of its services. He also emphasized the importance of expanding private-sector participation and benefiting from its expertise and contributions in supporting the Fund’s programs.

Minister Al-Yafaei further highlighted the need to manage the Fund’s affairs through an institutional approach based on accurate data and clearly defined priorities, and to link any expansion of projects to the availability of the operational and sustainability requirements necessary for their success. He affirmed that work would continue to complete the hospital project while preserving the purpose for which it was established, and to establish an in-house pharmacy to help provide beneficiaries with their pharmaceutical needs. He also stressed the importance of holding regular Board meetings to facilitate prompt decision-making and follow-up on the implementation of resolutions.

The Board emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination with relevant government authorities to ensure proper management of the Fund’s resources and conduct regular reconciliation of data and remittances. It also called for addressing the needs of branches and centers and developing the educational, rehabilitation, and healthcare services provided to persons with disabilities, in order to ensure that beneficiaries receive such services more efficiently and equitably.

The Board approved the formation of a Fund Resources Committee tasked with identifying revenue sources, reviewing mechanisms for their collection and remittance, and coordinating on outstanding dues owed by relevant entities. It also approved completing the necessary arrangements to open a Fund branch in Marib Governorate once a government premises and the required operational resources have been secured.

The Board further assigned the Legal Affairs Department to complete the legal procedures for opening the branch and to continue procedures for rehabilitating and operating the hospital and establishing the pharmacy. It also reaffirmed the importance of holding regular Board meetings and presenting the findings of studies on relevant files and proposals to the Board for consideration and appropriate action.