Empowering Persons with Disabilities: Key Insights from the SAKSHAMA Meeting

Prioritizing Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

Bhubaneswar: It is essential that hospitals provide immediate access to persons with disabilities (PwDs) without making them wait in line, as per government directives.

This message was conveyed by Bratati Harichandan, the State Commissioner for PwDs, during the third session of ‘SAKSHAMA’ held at the State Disability Commissioner’s Office in Satyanagar on Thursday.

During the meeting, Rekha Bhagat, the Additional Director of Public Health, shared insights regarding the distribution of Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards to individuals with disabilities across the state.

She also mentioned that the Health and Family Welfare department is exploring ways to accelerate the card issuance process for those who have yet to receive theirs.

The Disability Commissioner reiterated the importance of prioritizing access for PwDs in hospitals, aligning with government policies.

Prominent pediatrician Aravinda Mohanty discussed various government initiatives and strongly recommended establishing facilitation centers in every block to improve access to assistive devices for the differently-abled.

Patitapaban Mohanty, Director of the Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), elaborated on the various schemes and training programs available for PwDs.

The meeting featured active participation from several differently-abled individuals, and district social security officers from Khurda and Cuttack provided valuable information to the attendees.

At the conclusion of the meeting, an independent officer from the Commissioner’s office expressed appreciation to all officials, participants, and media representatives present.

The meeting commenced with a welcome address, followed by Harichandan outlining its objectives. Danish Mahajan, founder of Radio Udaan, joined via videoconference to present on disability-related advancements both in India and globally.

Prof. Smruti Smaain, Head of ENT at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, was also in attendance.