Issuing of assistive devices.
WHEELCHAIR / BUGGY AND WHEELCHAIR CUSHION POLICY
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes a wheelchair as “one of the most commonly used assistive devices for enhancing personal mobility”. Provision of wheelchairs to disabled persons is a precondition for enjoying human rights and living in dignity and also assists users to become more productive members of their communities.
Providing wheelchairs that are fit for the purpose not only enhances mobility but also begins a process of opening up a world of education, work and social life. A wheelchair opens doors to learning, employment and social participation to the user.
According to standardization of provision of assistive devices in South Africa, the government has a commitment to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities.
The national policy on the Free Health Care for disabled people has prescribed that any indigent disabled person is entitled to free assistive device including maintenance /repair of such a device as long as one meets the set criteria
In recent years the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has been inundated with increased demand for wheelchairs in all districts. This unprecedented demand has been attributed to factors such as high levels of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), HIV-AIDS, cross border clients /patients and others. This increased demand for wheelchairs in the province has been compounded by limited resources and poor distribution /issuing of wheelchairs by unqualified persons /organizations
The development of policies and increased training opportunities in the supply, issuing and maintenance of wheelchairs are essential in enhancing service delivery.
The Introduction of this policy as well as effective use /implementation of the policy will assist to improve and strengthen the system of wheelchair distribution and issuing in KwaZulu-Natal
Aim This policy aims to: - Provide a framework for the equitable, acces