Physical Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) run by National Disabled Fund said it has started to charge patients for implantation of artificial limbs after the donor agency that supported the program reduced its assistance. [break]
Handicap International had been providing financial assistance to the center since 2005. But the center said the donor agency has reduced its aid by 25% in 2011 and has asked PRC to find alternative sources to fund continuation of the program.
“We don´t have any option other than to charge for implantation of artificial limbs,” PRC Management Officer Ramchandra Dahal said.
The centre has also categorized patients into four groups according to their financial status. The disabled under “A” category will now have to pay 100 % charge for implantation of artificial limbs while those under “B”, “C” will have to pay 50% and 25 % of the total charge respectively. Dahal said the center will, however, provide free implantation services to those who cannot afford implantation.
Prosthesis limbs cost up to one million rupees.
“The disabled can live a normal life after implantation of artificial limbs,” Dahal said. “However, once a patient gains weight, artificial limbs need to be modified. After three to four year, artificial limbs need repair or replacement. This puts additional financial burden on the patients,” Dahal said.
The PRC which is also under the Social Welfare Board said the government only bears its administrative cost.
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