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VOSAP launches project "HITARTH" to improve intellectual disability healthcare in India
The project will help extend the government insurance coverage scheme, Nirmaya, to the intellectually disabled population
The Healthcare Initiative To Avail Rehabilitative Therapies and Health Coverage project / VOSAP
The Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP), a US-based non-profit organization that holds a 'Special Consultative Status' with the UN Economic and Social Council, is extending its reach into the disability sector with the introduction of project "HITARTH."
An acronym for Healthcare Initiative To Avail Rehabilitative Therapies and Health Coverage, the project aims to enhance healthcare access for individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDDs) in India in collaboration with PARIVAAR NCPO (National Confederation of Parents Organizations), a 30-year-old NGO operating in 31 states of India.
VOSAP and Parivaar NCPO found significant underutilization of the Indian government's "Niramaya" program, which covers medical expenses up to US$1197 (INR 1 lakh) for intellectually disabled people due to difficulties in online enrollment, understanding benefits, and navigating the complicated claim process.
The government of India reported that 28,323 claims (out of 1,87,290 enrolled beneficiaries) were settled in 2022-23, averaging US$76 (INR 6,405) per claim. The low enrollment and reimbursements show that 'Niramaya' Program has little impact.
To help extend the government scheme's outreach to IDDs, VOSAP decided to provide financial support under Project HITARTH to social workers, known as Hitarth Sahayaks, appointed by PARIVAAR, who will help IDDs access much-needed therapies, dental work, OPD services, and receive reimbursement from "Niramaya"
The initiative’s name, which means “Well Wisher” in Indian language aims to benefit 10,000 Individuals with intellectual disabilities within its first year, with the goal of scaling to 100,000 beneficiaries.
On the launch of this program, the national president of PARIVAAR NCPO, Dr. Pankaj Maru said “Parivaar is happy to collaborate with Voice of SAP to make the Niramaya Health Insurance more accessible for millions of PwIDDs through our more than 300 Parents and Voluntarily Member Organizations having presence in 31 states.”
VOSAP Founder Pranav Desai said, “We are very excited for the opportunities with this new model to expand VOSAP impact that leverages Government of India’s existing programs and strengths of our trusted, reputed partners like Parivaar”.
VOSAP, a leading disability non-profit, has helped 25,000+ people with assistive devices, surgeries, scholarships, and more since 2017.
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