In a remarkable step towards promoting inclusive health care in Nepal, Prerana – RAIN Project successfully organized a series of disability screening camps across Madhesh Pradesh and Lumbini Pradesh. These camps provided essential health assessments for individuals living with physical, hearing, and vision impairments, ensuring that underserved communities received much-needed support.
Locations Covered
The screening camps reached multiple municipalities, where local communities and health professionals joined hands to make the initiative impactful:
- Madhesh Pradesh: Rajdevi, Rajpur, Kamalamai, Baluwa, Loharpatti
- Lumbini Pradesh: Maharajgunj, Yasodhara, Narainapur
Impact in Numbers
- Total individuals assessed: Around 2,500 people
- Focus areas of assessment:
- Physical disability/impairment
- Hearing disability/impairment
- Vision disability/impairment
Every participant was screened as per their need, and those requiring further support were guided towards rehabilitation and follow-up services.
The Growing Need for Assistive Devices
As a physiotherapist working with Prerana – RAIN Project, one of the biggest concerns I observed during the camps is the lack of assistive devices—such as wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetics, orthotics, hearing aids, and low-vision devices.
While screening helps identify needs, true empowerment comes only when individuals have access to the right assistive devices. Without them, many remain dependent, unable to move freely, attend school, work, or participate in daily life.
Who is Responsible for Providing Assistive Devices?
- Government of Nepal: The primary responsibility lies with the Government, as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2017) and Nepal’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Ministries and local governments are expected to provide assistive devices and rehabilitation support.
- NGOs, INGOs, and Partners: Due to resource gaps, national and international organisations often step in—donating devices, supporting rehabilitation, and partnering with municipalities.
- Health Professionals: Physiotherapists and rehabilitation experts act as the bridge, by assessing needs, prescribing suitable devices, training individuals in usage, and advocating with authorities and organisations for patient support.
Why These Camps Matter
The disability screening camps by Prerana – RAIN Project highlighted not only the importance of early detection and assessment, but also the urgent need for assistive devices. Providing these devices is not just about health—it is about restoring independence, dignity, and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Looking Ahead
For Nepal to become a truly inclusive society, it is crucial that both the Government and supporting organisations invest more resources in assistive devices and rehabilitation services. With stronger collaboration, initiatives like those led by Prerana – RAIN Project can transform lives and open doors to education, employment, and social participation for thousands of individuals with disabilities.
Call to Action
The journey toward inclusion cannot be completed alone. We call upon government agencies, development partners, NGOs, INGOs, and compassionate individuals to come forward and support this mission. Together, we can ensure that every person living with a disability in Nepal has access to the assistive devices and rehabilitation services they need to live with dignity and independence.
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