The Case of Puja Khedkar: Disability Certificate Issued Despite Physiotherapist’s Objection

Puja Khedkar, a resident of Mumbai, found herself at the center of a controversy when she was issued a disability certificate despite a lack of approval from her physiotherapist. This case, which has gained significant attention in the disability rights community, raises serious concerns about the process of issuing disability certificates in India.

The controversy stems from a medical board’s decision to grant Khedkar a 40% disability certificate, despite the absence of a crucial document – a recommendation from her physiotherapist. This recommendation is a standard requirement for obtaining a disability certificate in India.

Khedkar’s case highlights the potential loopholes and inconsistencies in the system that could lead to the issuance of disability certificates without proper medical justification. It also raises questions about the integrity of the medical board that issued the certificate.

Why is a Physiotherapist’s Recommendation Crucial?

Physiotherapists play a vital role in the assessment and management of disabilities. They are qualified healthcare professionals who can evaluate a patient’s physical limitations and assess their functional capacity.

A physiotherapist’s recommendation is crucial for several reasons:

• Objective Assessment: Physiotherapists provide an objective assessment of a person’s functional limitations and their impact on daily activities.

• Specialized Expertise: They have specialized knowledge and skills in assessing physical disabilities and recommending appropriate interventions.

• Evidence-Based Recommendations: Their recommendations are based on evidence-based medical practices and ensure that the issued disability certificate reflects the individual’s actual condition.

The Case Study: Details of Puja Khedkar’s Situation

Puja Khedkar was seeking a disability certificate due to a disability in her right hand. She had undergone physiotherapy treatment and was receiving regular care from her physiotherapist. However, her physiotherapist did not recommend her for a disability certificate as he believed that she did not meet the criteria.

Despite this, the medical board proceeded to issue Khedkar a 40% disability certificate. This decision has been met with widespread criticism from disability rights advocates who argue that it undermines the integrity of the disability certification process and could lead to misuse of the system.

Consequences of Improper Disability Certification

The issuance of a disability certificate without proper medical justification has serious consequences:

• Misuse of Resources: It leads to the misuse of resources allocated for supporting individuals with disabilities, as individuals who do not meet the criteria may receive benefits intended for those who truly require them.

• Exploitation: It can be exploited by individuals seeking financial gain, leading to a decline in the credibility of the disability certification system.

• Stigma and Discrimination: It can further stigmatize individuals with disabilities as their legitimacy may be questioned due to cases like Khedkar’s.

What Needs to Be Done?

Puja Khedkar’s case is a wake-up call for authorities to address the vulnerabilities in the disability certification process. Here are some crucial steps that need to be taken:

• Strengthening the Evaluation Process: The evaluation process for disability certification needs to be strengthened to ensure thorough and objective assessments.

• Mandating Physiotherapist’s Role: The role of physiotherapists in the disability certification process should be mandated, ensuring that their recommendations are considered essential.

• Transparency and Accountability: The medical boards issuing disability certificates must be held accountable for their decisions and ensure transparency in their processes.

• Raising Awareness: Public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate people about the importance of a proper disability certification process.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fair and transparent disability certification procedures. It is crucial to ensure that the system is not exploited and that individuals with disabilities receive the support they need without compromising the integrity of the process.

Keywords: Disability certificate, physiotherapy, medical board, Puja Khedkar, disability rights, medical justification, transparency, accountability, misuse of resources, exploitation, stigma, discrimination.