Parliament gets petition on support for children with disabilities
The petition also raises concerns about communication issues and administrative delays.
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A group of parents of children with disabilities has submitted a petition to Parliament, requesting an investigation into the lack of access to therapy and the alleged failure of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) to provide required support.
The petition also raises concerns about communication issues and administrative delays.
The petition was submitted by Mohamed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for Galolhu North from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), on Tuesday. It outlines complaints from parents regarding limited access to financial, physical, and psychological support for children with disabilities.
According to the petition, the state has a legal obligation to ensure the provision of financial assistance and medical care to children with disabilities. However, parents say they are not receiving the support required under existing laws.
The petition further claims that parents have experienced difficulties engaging with the NSPA, citing non-responsiveness to phone calls, destruction of submitted documents, and lack of follow-up on submitted therapy plans and quotations. It also notes irregularities in payments for ongoing therapy sessions for children with conditions such as autism and ADHD.
Additional points raised in the petition include:
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A meeting between parents and the NSPA Chief Executive Officer on 6 January last year to address challenges in accessing services.
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A follow-up meeting with the Disability Council in February of the same year, where parents expressed concern over out-of-pocket expenses for therapy and long queues at therapy centres.
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Challenges in sourcing medication for autism and ADHD in the Maldives.
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Lack of a government policy to internationalise therapy services or regulate therapy costs.
The petition notes that parents have proposed solutions such as limiting therapy costs or establishing government-monitored therapy centres offering services at standardised rates.
Parents also met with President Mohamed Muizzu during the presidential election campaign to present their concerns. While policy commitments were made during the campaign, parents claim that the issues remain unresolved and have since approached Parliament for further assistance.
The petition requests a formal inquiry into why NSPA has not been able to provide the therapeutic, financial, psychological, and physical support mandated by law. It also calls for the involvement of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), the Ministry of Social and Family Development, NSPA, and the Disability Council in the investigation.
