43 Disabled Individuals in Ghazipur District to Finally Receive Government Welfare Benefits
In a significant development for disability welfare in Uttar Pradesh, forty-three persons in Ghazipur district, ranging from toddlers to twenty-five years of age, who had previously failed to receive any benefits from government schemes despite suffering from various disabilities following fever episodes, will now be covered under welfare programs of the Divyang Empowerment Department. Additionally, they will receive proper medical treatment for their ailments.
District Administration Responds to Local Appeals
Ghazipur District Magistrate Avinash Kumar stated that after being approached by residents from eleven villages—including Fateullahpur, Hariharpur, Hala, Shikarpur, Dhari Kala, Taradih Budanpur, Khijirpur, Bhikhepur, Rathaudi, and Sarai Sharif—under the jurisdictions of Subhakarpur, Manihari, and Devkali blocks, and following reports in local media about disabilities caused by fever, a team of health officials was dispatched on January 18 and 19 to investigate the situation.
Comprehensive Medical Camps Organized
The medical teams, led by the Chief Medical Officer and the District Divyang Welfare Officer, organized comprehensive medical camps across all eleven villages. During these camps, the forty-three children and adults with various disabilities were thoroughly examined. The assessments revealed a range of conditions among the patients:
- Mental retardation alongside neurological disorders
- Genetic factors as primary causes
- Lack of oxygen in the brain at birth
- Lung issues present from birth
- Medication for high fever taken by mothers during pregnancy without medical consultation
- Neurological disorders following brain fever
- Improperly treated epilepsy
District Magistrate Kumar noted that since most of these patients are adults, it appears the majority of cases are long-standing, with illnesses potentially originating from birth or after severe diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis.
Administrative Lapses Exposed and Corrective Measures Taken
During this initiative, laxity by the concerned village secretaries was exposed, which had prevented these forty-three individuals from being covered under any health or Divyang Empowerment department schemes. In response, the District Magistrate has directed the Chief Medical Officer to maintain proper tracking of their treatment. Simultaneously, the District Divyang Welfare Officer will ensure that all eligible individuals receive benefits under relevant government schemes.
This intervention highlights the critical need for vigilant administrative oversight and proactive healthcare measures to support vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential welfare services and medical care.
