Government plans to increase funding allocation for people living with disabilities inthe country.
Health Minister Michael Malabag promisedthe National Disabled Beard yesterday that a MOA on this will be submitted to cabinet.
Chairman Brown Kapi saidthe board is currently getting 500 thousand kina every year, insufficient to meet needs of this special group of people.
The national population stands at seven million. The community development department estimates that about seven hundred thousand are persons with disabilities.
The national disability board is allocated five hundred thousand kina underthe community development department every year.
Chairman Brown Kapi said this is an unrealistic allocation and that government needs to look into this matter seriously. Mr. Kapi asked Mr. Malabag to intervene.
Health Minister Michael Malabagsaid he is working closely withthe Community Development Ministry to address this issue.
He said an MOA is in place and will be submitted to cabinet.
This promise tothe chairman, board members, trainees and guardians present atthe closing ofthe three dayIntellectual Disability Training seminar atthPNG Rehabilitation Centre in Port Moresby yesterday.
Mr. Malabag was special guest; he presented certificates to participants and facilitators.
The training was an initiative ofthe JapaneseInternational Corporation Agency.
The minister also as Moresby North West MP presented twenty thousand kina tothe board to provide vital services to this special group of people.
A seventy seven year old man from Gulf Province, Peter Maso who was a former teacher also received a new wheel chair fromthe rehab centre.
The board presented a detailed report requesting one point seven million kina for the renovation and extension ofthe rehab centre.
Bernadette Efi, National EMTV News
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