Section 25 of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- (1)The appropriate Government and the local authorities shall take necessary measures for the persons with disabilities to provide,---
- (a)free healthcare in the vicinity specially in rural area subject to such family income as may be notified;
- (b)barrier-free access in all parts of Government and private hospitals and other healthcare institutions and centres;
- (c)priority in attendance and treatment.
- (2)The appropriate Government and the local authorities shall take measures and make schemes or programmes to promote healthcare and prevent the occurrence of disabilities and for the said purpose shall
- (a)undertake or cause to be undertaken surveys, investigations and research concerning the cause of occurrence of disabilities;
- (b)promote various methods for preventing disabilities;
- (c)screen all the children at least once in a year for the purpose of identifying "at-risk" cases;
- (d)provide facilities for training to the staff at the primary health centres;
- (e)sponsor or cause to be sponsored awareness campaigns and disseminate or cause to be disseminated information for general hygiene, health and sanitation;
- (f)take measures for pre-natal, perinatal and post-natal care of mother and child;
- (g)educate the public through the pre-schools, schools, primary health centres, village level workers and anganwadi workers;
- (h)create awareness amongst the masses through television, radio and other mass media on the causes of disabilities and the preventive measures to be adopted;
- (i)healthcare during the time of natural disasters and other situations of risk;
- (j)essential medical facilities for life saving emergency treatment and procedures; and
- (k)sexual and reproductive healthcare especially for women with disability.
Summary
- The government must provide free healthcare to people with disabilities in nearby areas, especially in rural spots, depending on income.
- All hospitals, both public and private, must be barrier-free and easy to access.
- People with disabilities get priority for attendance and treatment at healthcare centers.
- Authorities must work to prevent disabilities through research and annual screenings for children.
- Awareness campaigns must be run to educate the public on hygiene and the causes of disability.
- Special focus is required for reproductive health for women and emergency life-saving treatments.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Do private hospitals have to be accessible under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016?
Yes, Section 25 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 requires barrier-free access in all parts of both Government and private hospitals.
2. How often should children be screened for disabilities according to the 2016 Act?
Under Section 25 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, authorities shall screen all children at least once in a year to identify at-risk cases.
3. What priority is given to people with disabilities in hospitals under the 2016 Act?
Section 25 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates priority in attendance and treatment for persons with disabilities.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 25 of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, what is required for access to private hospitals?
Q2.How often does Section 25 of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandate child screenings for identifying at-risk cases?
Q3.Under Section 25 of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, what must be provided for mother and child care?
Q4.According to Section 25 of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, what treatment priority is given to persons with disabilities?