A recent study by NCPEDP and the NGO Astha has exposed critical flaws in healthcare access for disabled individuals in Tumakuru and Bengaluru Rural. The research, which focused on 758 participants, found that an alarming 96% in Tumakuru and 88% in Bengaluru Rural lack health insurance coverage. More than 90% of respondents had neither received medical assistance nor used assistive devices in the last year.

The study revealed that nearly 70% of participants in both areas were unemployed, relying entirely on family support for their survival. Education levels were low, with 47% of respondents in Bengaluru Rural and 24% in Tumakuru being illiterate. The majority of families earned below ₹1 lakh annually, highlighting the deep economic vulnerability of these communities.

An important finding was the lack of proper documentation. While most individuals in Bengaluru Rural had Unique Disability IDs (UDIDs), about 50% in Tumakuru did not, due to issues such as lack of awareness or incomplete paperwork.

Experts at the report’s release called for urgent policy reforms, including creating disability-friendly public services, providing subsidized healthcare, and improving access to health insurance. They also recommended a disability census under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.

Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, emphasized that healthcare for people with disabilities is essential, and assistive aids should not be seen as temporary fixes. The report will soon be presented to key state officials for action.