Many individuals suffer disability of congenital origin, acquired disease or accident during the course of employment or otherwise. Such individuals require assessment and certification by a competent authority to retrieve benefits as offered under provisions of various acts and laws. In all such cases, the process of medical examination is based on basic knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology and Principles of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation. To avoid injustice to the disabled and to ensure that such victims become qualified for the claims and compensation, it is duty of the medical fraternity to address administrative, legal, social and medical issues of disability assessment.
Present article includes retrospective study of such cases examined with emphasis on epidemiological aspects. An effort has been made to perceive scientific and administrative shortcomings of disability assessment system prevailing in India. The existing disability assessment system worldwide is reviewed to find out the possible solutions of the same in a developing country like India.
Disability assessment, shortcomings, suggestions
