'Beneficiaries in DK to get aids and appliances within 3 months'

The one-day comprehensive assessment camp for persons with disabilities organised by Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for the Physically Handicapped (DUIPH) (Southern Regional Centre) in association with district administration, Indian Red Cross Society and DDRC at the Artificial Limb Centre here on Friday, drew a massive response, with a large number of persons with disabilities from DK district thronging the venue with the hope of receiving supportive aid for their impairments.

In contrast to the initial estimation of 200 people as made by the district administration, as many 774 people with various disabilities turned up at the camp, causing confusion and chaos at the venue, that lasted for some time. However, with the help of volunteers from various departments and organisations, the situation was brought under control and all the disabled who had registered their names were examined by a team of 10 doctors who had come from Secunderabad.

Sesappa Achari, who had no strength on his legs, arrived from Uppinangady hiring a jeep, had to wait for long time before the doctor could assess him at the camp. Nevertheless, there was a sense of relief on his face as he came out of the camp, for he was going to get a wheelchair within next three months. “I have travelled all the way from Heerebandadi village, with a hope of getting a wheelchair as I can not afford to buy one. Now, I am quite happy that I am going to get a wheelchair and I feel travelling this far and waiting here was worth it,” he said.

There were several mothers and fathers who had come from far away places along with their children with physical and mental disabilities, waiting in the registration counters or before the doctors for availing the facility. Lack of communication between the Institute and the district administration, ended up in confusion over the need for producing income certificates.

The district administration had announced two days ago that there was no need for disabled to get family’s income certificates. However, the officials insisted on the need for bringing income certificate. To avoid the confusion, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim deputed a tahsildar on the spot to generate income certificate and distribute to the patients on the spot. Arrangements were also made on the spot to capture and distribute photographs for those who had not carried it to the camp.

The camp which was supposed to start at 9 am, delayed for two hours as the team of doctors arrived at the venue an hour and half late. Apart from 774 disabled who registered, there were another 1,000 people, including their family members or teachers who accompanied them to the venue.

350 eligible

Dr G Pandyan, the officer-in-charge of the camp, said that they had expected nearly 1,000 people from the district, and they had ensured that even the last person was assessed before closing the camp. “Of the 774 disabled people whom we have assessed today, we have identified nearly 350 of them as eligible for availing aids and appliances. Measurements have been taken for preparing custom made artificial limbs for the needy. We have recorded all the data which will be sorted out and appliances will be distributed to them in the distribution camp which will be held within next three months in Mangalore,” he said.

They have estimated the amount for providing aids and appliances in DK district at Rs 25 lakh. A proposal on the same will be sent to the Central government to provide funding for distribution of aids. The camp was organised under Assistance to the Disabled Persons scheme, in various districts across the country. The Southern Centre has organised camps in Bangalore rural, Bangalore, Hassan, Tumkur, Udupi and a few other districts.