The World Report on Disability estimates 15% of world population is living with disability, 80% of whom reside in Global South including Pakistan. Disability is considered a stigma in Pakistan and there are many hindrances in developing a tangible framework for the welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs). There are multiple challenges faced by this population that varies from unreliable epidemiologic data to non-implementation of existing policies in our country. This is augmented by infrequent audits; limited employment opportunities and restricted access to health care services. Majority of PWDs reside in developing countries including Pakistan from where we report different types of disabilities mentioned in literature that presented in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. This article aims to review the current burden of disability with its spectrum in Pakistan to the existing national policies and challenges faced by PWDs. We give recommendations for improvement in existing policies leading to inclusion of
PWDs in our society at all levels.
Author Biographies
Shazia Maqbool, University of Child Health Sciences, The Children's Hospital, Lahore
Department of Developmental-Behavioural Paediatrics
Professor
Fatima Rahman, University of Child Health Sciences, The Children's hospital, Lahore
Department of Developmental-Behavioural Paediatrics
Senior Registrar
Anam Ali, University of Child Health Sciences, The Children's hospital, Lahore
Department of Developmental-Behavioural Paediatrics
Clinical Psychologist
Aisha Farid, University of Child Health Sciences, The Children's hospital, Lahore
Department of Developmental-Behavioural Paediatrics
Assistant Professor
Wajeeha Zahra, University of Child Health Sciences, The Children's hospital, Lahore
Department of Developmental-Behavioural Paediatrics
Clinical Psychologist
Ehsan Ullah, The Children's hospital & Institute of Child Health, Multan
