By Samar Al-Mogren
THE Ministry of Labor and Social Development pays a monthly allowance of SR800 to 1,200 to people with special needs. Given the harsh economic situation these days, this amount is completely insufficient. The ministry starts paying the allowance when the child reaches two years of age and I think it is necessary to reconsider the criteria. What is preventing payment of this allowance since the child’s birth? The most important issue is the nonexistence of health insurance for this category of people in the society. Health insurance is a right enjoyed by every human being. This right should also be extended to people with special needs as they are in more need due to their health circumstances.
I have seen real cases and through correspondence with mothers of children with special needs. I found many painful stories. The issue specifically requires a lot of attention. Health insurance is one of their rights. No one should think that he is doing them a favor, especially if we look into the regulation for people with special needs which states their health rights. The same is the case with the UN Agreement on People with Special Needs, which was signed by Saudi Arabia in 2006 and endorsed in 2008.
Furthermore, the pertinent authorities have enacted impressive regulations, most of which regrettably have not been implemented on the ground. Whoever reads these regulations will feel that people with special needs are enjoying a lot of comfort and luxury. But when some one sees their situation on the ground, he will find that these regulations are merely wishes.
The situation of people with special needs requires a shakeup. As to providing them with health insurance, this cannot be delayed any longer.
These hurdles and obstacles are the ones making the citizens feel that a special needs child is just a “burden”. This is one of the most important reasons causing some families to dump their children in hospitals of Jordan and other countries. They even dumped them in the hospitals and shelter homes. If these families had found the required awareness and facilities that will help them bear the hardship of upbringing of a special needs child, they would not have reached this inhumane stage.
Health insurance for children with special needs is not a mere luxury. It cannot be likened to an accessory. Treating such children is financially exhausting for families hence causing them to approach private hospitals. This is either due to the inability to admit them in government hospitals or the appointments being far apart. At this point, the families are compelled to visit private clinics. Hence, families should get financial compensation from the Ministry of Health if the child visits a private hospital.
Not providing the required care to people with special needs is not only a financial burden on their families, but on the whole society, as more children with special needs will be added to it.
