NEWS – Report Reveals Stark Health Disparities for Disabled in Bengaluru Rural and Tumakuru

HIGHLIGHTS

Alarming Lack of Health Coverage

• 96% of people with disabilities in Tumakuru lack health insurance.
• 88% in Bengaluru Rural have no health coverage.
• Over 90% have not accessed health services or assistive aids in the past year.

About the Study

• Conducted by: National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) & NGO Astha.
• Duration: 12 months.
• Sample size: 758 respondents
  • 388 from Bengaluru Rural
  • 370 from Tumakuru
• Data collection through:
  • Interviews
  • Hospital visits
  • Input from disability welfare offices and healthcare professionals

Demographics and Disability Types

• 55% were men.
• Age groups:
  • 46% aged 18–30 in Bengaluru Rural
  • 50% aged 31–45 in Tumakuru
• Most common disability: Locomotor disabilities

Socioeconomic Findings

• Nearly 70% unemployed; fully dependent on family.
• Low literacy levels:
  • 47% illiterate in Bengaluru Rural
  • 24% illiterate in Tumakuru
• Majority of families earn less than ₹1 lakh annually.

Access to Disability IDs

• Most in Bengaluru Rural have UDID cards.
• In Tumakuru, 50% lacked UDID cards due to:
  • Lack of awareness
  • Disinterest
  • Documentation issues

Key Challenges Highlighted

• Deep economic, educational, and social exclusion
• Increased vulnerability to climate-related health impacts
• Disabilities significantly affecting life opportunities and aspirations

Key Recommendations from the Report

✅ Disability-friendly public services

✅ Subsidised healthcare and improved insurance access

✅ A census aligned with the RPwD Act, 2016

✅ Timely updating of UDID cards

✅ Community-based health models involving NGOs and private sector

✅ Caregiver training via self-help groups