Two schemes coming under the Pradhan Mantri Divyang Kalyan (PMDK) initiative have been doing wonder in the life of differently-abled people and senior citizens in need of assistive devices to live. The devices and aids given under the schemes help the disabled people and the elderly surmount the obstacles faced in the
daily life.
A staggering Rs 8,464,312 crore worth of assistive products have been distributed to differently-abled people under the assistance to Divyangjan for purchase/fitting of aids/appliances (ADIP) scheme. Assistive devices worth Rs 5,114,027 crore have also been given to senior citizens under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) scheme.
The life-changing programme has reached out to 621 beneficiaries under the ADIP scheme – 343 males and 278 females –, as well as 423 senior citizens under the RVY – 262 males and 161 females.
The PMDK centre in the state, established on January 10 this year has already made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of individuals, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment.
Dr Shubham Pawaskar, the centre incharge at the Goa Medical College (GMC), says the centre has brought about good results, adding that vulnerable sections of the society have benefited tremendously from the services provided.
Under the ADIP scheme, there is no age limit or price restriction, ensuring that every person with a disability can access the necessary aids and appliances.
The RVY, on the other hand, caters specifically to senior citizens aged 60 and above, providing up to Rs 12,000 worth of assistive devices per person.
“We handle around 30 patients every day, and a majority of them are senior citizens,” Dr Pawaskar says.
The rest are individuals with special needs who require specialised assistance, he says.
The success of the PMDK initiative in Goa can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of the GMC authorities.
The support of the social welfare department, especially its director Ajit Panchwadkar, is also laudable, he added.
The initiative is powered by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a non-profit organisation working under the ministry of social justice and empowerment. Established in 1972, ALIMCO has grown to become the largest producer of aids and appliances in South Asia, with a vast manufacturing unit spanning 43 acres in Kanpur.
“ALIMCO has been instrumental in implementing the ADIP and RVY schemes,” explains Dr Pawaskar.
With a network of six auxiliary production centres and five regional marketing hubs, ALIMCO ensures that its services reach the farthest corners of the country, he says, adding that two auxiliary centres are on the cards.
Forty-five PMDK centres in the country work in tandem with ALIMCO to provide a range of services. These include free fitment, user training, and the provision of an array of assistive devices, such as motorised and manual tricycles, wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, and customised artificial limbs.
“We also prioritise after-sales service and technical support, ensuring the continued satisfaction of those who rely on our devices,” Pawaskar says.
The ADIP scheme, which has been operational since 1981, aims to empower persons with disabilities by providing them with the necessary aids and appliances. To be eligible, individuals must hold a 40% disability certificate and have a monthly income not exceeding Rs 22,500 from all sources.
The scheme focuses on promoting physical, social, and psychological rehabilitation, as well as enhancing the economic potential of people with disabilities.
The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana catering to the needs of senior citizens provides a wide range of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and spectacles, to address age-related infirmities.
To be eligible, senior citizens must possess an Aadhaar card and fall under the BPL category or have a monthly income of less than Rs 15,000 from all sources.
“These schemes are a crucial step towards ensuring that every citizen, regardless of cast or creed, has access to the necessary tools to lead a dignified and independent life,” reckons Dr Pawaskar.
Article Credit: navhindtimes