ALLEVIATION FOR THE DISABLED
A few months ago, there were reports (http://ms2002.ru) that raised the issue of the burden disabled people experienced while getting re-examined for their disability status. It might be shocking but even amputees and people with progressive diseases, e.g. multiple sclerosis, had to be formally confirmed as disabled every year. The Russian President heard the problem firsthand and gave an instruction to the Health Minister to intervene in the situation. Today, the Ministry, where there is an Adviser from the All-Russian MS Society, has taken drastic measures. (Translator’s note)
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The government has passed two regulations; one of them alters the way of re-examination for disability status, and the other eases the procedure to provide them with enabling technology devices (prostheses, wheelchairs, etc).
The regulations had been developed by the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia on instruction of President Vladimir Putin that followed an issue raised by a disabled person during the Direct President-Line with Russian citizens [17 October 2007], who complained then about the ordeal he had to go through to get re-examined regularly by the Medical and Social Disability Commission [to confirm his disability] disregarding that he was an amputee.
Thereafter, the Ministry of Health and Social Development held a meeting of the Public Council, where they developed the working group, which was to redraft the derisive rules. The group included experts, lawyers, doctors, and also representatives of organizations of disabled people.
“These regulations are the first step to reform the whole system of rehabilitation of disabled people and their integration in society as well as in labour-force,” Director of the Department for Social Protection Development at the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia Olga Samarina said at the briefing Thursday. “Almost every disabled person can be accommodated with opportunities to study, rehabilitation programme, and a job; we just need take into account their peculiarities. We shall consistently alter and develop this system.”
“We are very happy to see the Ministry has drastically reconsidered its policy towards their work with the disabled,” said Chairman of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People and Deputy of the State Duma [Member of Parliament] Alexander Lomakin-Rumyantsev. “It [the Ministry] works now not FOR people but TOGETHER WITH them. We were able to contribute to developing the documents. Well, this is only the commencing of the joint work.”
What changes in the examination rules and provision of disabled people with enabling technology devices
Formerly: Open-ended status of disability was set up by the decision of doctor colleagues, i.e. subjectively
Now: A list of 23diseasees and handicaps has been agreed according to which open-ended status of disability is now set up at the first or a recurrent examination
Formerly: Open-ended status of disability was set up after 4 years of confirmed disability (i.e. 3 examinations)
Now: Open-ended status of disability can be set up in 2 years (i.e. 2 examinations) and possible at the first examination, if there is medical evidence confirming the rehabilitation impossible
Formerly: Enabling technology devices (ETD) were assigned and replaced after a re-examination only. If ETDs bought with own means, the disabled person would be reimbursed as due in his turn in general queue
Now: To obtain or replace an ETD, a re-examination of the Medical and Social Disability Commission is not necessary.
If ETDs bought with own means, the disabled person will be reimbursed during 30 days.
To read the full text and more about changes provided by the regulations, go to the government site:
www.government.gov.ru
14:38 11.04.08