Exploring day to day challenges faced by PWDs with special emphasis on financial income, access to health facilities

Abstract

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) face different challenges throughout their lives. Their rights and needs were brought in limelight after the formation of United Nations and the western countries adopted different models and took measures to protect their well-being by introducing social safety nets and incentives. However, the situation is worse in developing countries in general and Pakistan where lack of basic facilities and increased poverty has put PWDs at risk. The health facilities landscape presents a grim picture where government hospitals are saturated only in Urban centers and rural areas are totally neglected. Access to health care facilities is only a luxury in Pakistan; influential few or government employees entitled to health allowances get proper medication and treatment whereas the poor, the marginalized community only suffers. The situation is further exacerbated due to commute issues, lack of resources and increased inflation. Non-availability of spaces/beds in limited government hospitals of big cities further effect the wellbeing of poor community. On the other hand, private hospitals are so business oriented that even middle-class families find it tough to get a proper treatment there. Majority of Pakistani population belongs to poor households with lack of awareness on their basic rights to health. Governments have failed miserably to provide basic health facilities to its citizens. Poor families residing in small villages or far-flung areas are facing a real brunt due to nonavailability of health facilities and lack or enough financial resources to get medical treatment from private clinics. Person with Disabilities (PWDs) residing in remote areas are facing a life threat. Lack of opportunities, sheer discrimination, increased poverty, and lack of access to health facilities left them no choice rather than opting for spiritual solutions to their health needs. Their health needs are continuously denied at both national and community level. While facing resistance in the society, they are considered a nothing but a burden to their family face psychological issues and seeking spiritual relief is considered as the last resort.