3156 differently-able treated in 20 months but hurdles remain

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, April 30: The District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) in Dimapur has claimed to have treated 3156 patients after the centre reopened on Aug. 1 2016. But there are needs that go beyond pacifying the needs of treatment—fulfilling their rights and providing for healthcare professionals are some of what requires to be addressed, a recent interaction has shown.
According to the 2011 census of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the population of persons with disabilities in Nagaland is 29,631. This breakup: 4150 visually impaired, 8940 deaf, 2294 mute, 3828 person with mobility problems, 2, 245 persons with psychological problems; 4838 (‘any other’), and 3336 person with multiple disabilities.
Dimapur’s Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Patel spoke during a medical camp, which was organised to assess patients, at the Dimapur hospital on Monday. He said that there was more differently-able persons, especially in the rural areas, than the record shows.
Patel, also the chairman of the DDRC, urged patients to obtain certificates stating the disability so that they would be able to secure benefits from schemes from the authorities in concern.
In encouraging the differently-able the DC said they should ‘enjoy who they are’ and that they ‘pursue whatever visions and passions they have, as the authority will support them along the way.’
Rajesh Das, a member of the Artificial Limb Manufacturing Corporation (Alimco) of Kanpur said in his address that the corporation had given counselling to over one lakh patients. The company is planning to organise similar assessment camps in the state if required.
A differently-able person said during the programme that it is a right for the community of persons with disability to avail services of rehabilitation centres. He said that the state government should assist them in meeting all the requirements and budget meant for them.
The DDRC gave a report of their work so far: issuance of disability certificates; conducting training programs in collaboration with organisations representing persons with disability; health camps for the differently-able; opening a library; disability assessment and distribution camps.
The centre has also requested the state government to provide them with a prosthetist and an orthotist to make artificial limbs, and an occupational therapist to treat people suffering from cerebral palsy, stroke etc.
Mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walking sticks, hearing aids, and communication devices such as mobile phones were distrusted to the patients during the programme at the hospital. Over 175 differently-able persons were registered for the day’s assessment camp.
The mobility camp was organised by the National Insurance Company Limited as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program in collaboration with the Alimco and DDRC.