The health ministry will initiate measures to strengthen early intervention and provide improved healthcare services and accessible infrastructure and technology for Persons Living with Disabilities. During the Meet the Press session on Friday, health minister, Tandin Wangchuk, said the ministry will focus on implementing inclusive healthcare services for People Living with Disabilities as pledged by his party. According to the National Health Survey, almost 48,325 individuals in the country have self-reported as living with disabilities.
The health minister said in the 13th Five Year Plan Nu 800,000 has been allocated for programmes such as “strengthening screening for developmental delays and improving referral mechanisms.”
“We also have the Hear, Listen and Speak programme which has started and achieved many outcomes. Till now, it has screened 78,000 children in 10 districts. We screened all children below 14 and provided medical services to those having hearing issues along with hearing aids to 153 individuals. ”
He added that about nine patients received cochlear implant surgeries. In addition, the minister said, a Continuum of Care camp was recently conducted in Punakha where more than 140 students received necessary treatments.
The minister also added that Nu 3 M has been allocated to thoroughly assess whether infrastructure in the health facilities are disability friendly or not.
“The restrooms, pathways, patient rooms, and common areas will be assessed and in the 13th Five Year Plan Nu 100 M has been allocated to modify infrastructure and make it convenient for PWDs.”
The ministry has allotted another eight hundred thousand ngultrum to train physiotherapists and technicians to use assistive technology for PWDs. The ministry has also allocated Nu 1.6 M for ear and hearing care services.
In addition, the 13th Five Year Plan also has a dedicated Nu 8.2 M to train health workers under the Community-Based Rehabilitation programme.
The minister said the programme will help PWDs receive comprehensive care while availing themselves of healthcare services.
Singye Dema
Edited by Phub Gyem
