Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 23: A highly successful Disability Screening Camp cum Awareness Programme on Welfare Schemes for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) was conducted today at the Conference Hall, Bishop John Richardson Hospital, Nicobar District. The event was jointly organized by the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
The camp was inaugurated by Mrs. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, who served as the Chief Guest. Dr. Grace, Medical Superintendent, Mrs. Sunitha, CDPO, Nicobar District, and Dr. Sameer Johnson, Senior Medical Officer, also participated in the inaugural session. In her welcome address, Mrs. Sumithamol, Director, CRC A&N Islands, stressed the importance of extending these vital services to the tribal communities of Nicobar, ensuring their equal access to healthcare and welfare schemes.
The camp was supported by a skilled team of professionals, including Mr. T.Y. Abid, Lecturer in Physiotherapy and Mrs. Saranyah, Rehabilitation Officer from CRC A&N Islands, who conducted the disability screenings. Mr. Gaurav, Special Educator from the District Education Office (DEO), Nicobar District, also joined the team, providing educational support for Divyangjan.
A special focus of the camp was on the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community of Nicobar, who form a significant part of the district’s population. A total of 114 individuals with disabilities from the Nicobar Tribal community were assessed, benefiting from medical screenings and receiving guidance on rehabilitation options.
In addition to health assessments, participants were given detailed information on various government welfare schemes such as the UDID, Niramaya Health Insurance, ADIP Scheme for assistive devices, and the PM-Daksh skill development program. The focus was on ensuring that all eligible individuals, particularly from the ST community, could easily access these schemes.
The event concluded with Mrs. Jyothi Kumari, IAS, appreciating the collaborative efforts of the CRC A&N Islands, the Directorate of Social Welfare, and the local health officials. She emphasized the need to continue such outreach initiatives to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, particularly within the tribal and underserved communities of Nicobar District.
This camp represents a vital step in ensuring that persons with disabilities from the Nicobar Tribal community are not left behind in accessing healthcare and government support.
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