The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) at Madurai's Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a significant outreach, providing prosthetic and orthotic aids to twenty beneficiaries. The event aimed to spotlight the department's crucial services and address ongoing challenges faced by the disabled community.
GRH's Outreach and Record Service Numbers
In an official statement, GRH clarified that the core objective of the drive was to foster public awareness regarding the comprehensive services offered by the PMR department. The hospital has established a notable track record in supporting individuals with disabilities. GRH has issued a state-leading 1,638 locomotor disability certificates and completed 775 certifications under the Motor Vehicles Act claims tribunal (MCOP) process until November this year.
Focusing on restoring mobility, the department's efforts are quantifiable: 586 orthoses, 29 conventional prostheses, and 129 prostheses approved under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) have been successfully provided to patients in need.
Allegations of Administrative Neglect
Despite the hospital's initiative, the observance of the global day was clouded by allegations of official indifference. The Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Disabled Persons and Guardians (TARATDAC) has accused the Madurai district administration of failing to officially mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed worldwide on December 3.
District secretary of TARATDAC, A. Balamurugan, claimed that the district collector was overlooking the concerns of persons with disabilities. "We strongly condemn the continued neglect of the differently-abled by the district administration," Balamurugan stated, highlighting a perceived gap between ground-level efforts and district-level recognition.
A Day of Contrasts: Service vs. Recognition
The day presented a stark contrast. While a major government hospital was actively distributing aids and showcasing its substantial year-round contributions to disability care, representatives of the disabled community voiced feelings of being ignored by the local governing body. This juxtaposition underscores the ongoing struggle for visibility, comprehensive support, and official acknowledgment faced by persons with disabilities, even on a day dedicated to their rights and inclusion.
