Lack of facilities for severely deformed people

Nature

Individuals who remain alive despite severe congenital malformations (typically combining several defects such as harelip, spina bifida, hydrocephalus together with mental abnormalities), require special care. Suitable facilities are only rarely available, with the result that the care received is inferior and places a severe strain on those who take responsibility for such cases, particularly if it is the parents who continue to do so.

Incidence

Globally, access to specialized facilities for individuals with severe physical deformities remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to a 2018 report by the World Health Organization, less than 15% of people with severe disabilities in developing regions have access to appropriate rehabilitation services or adapted infrastructure, resulting in significant barriers to education, employment, and social participation.
In 2017, a survey conducted in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, revealed that only one in ten public buildings was accessible to people with severe musculoskeletal deformities, forcing many to remain confined to their homes and exacerbating social isolation.

Claim

The lack of facilities for severely deformed individuals is a glaring injustice that society must urgently address. These individuals face daily challenges due to inadequate access to essential services, including healthcare, transportation, and public spaces. This neglect not only marginalizes them but also perpetuates a cycle of discrimination and isolation. It is imperative that we prioritize the development of inclusive infrastructure and support systems, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical condition, can lead a dignified and fulfilling life.

Counter-claim

While it may seem compassionate to focus on facilities for severely deformed individuals, prioritizing this issue distracts from more pressing societal challenges. Resources should be allocated to broader healthcare, education, and economic development that benefit the majority. The notion that we must cater specifically to a small group can lead to unnecessary expenditures and divert attention from critical infrastructure needs. Society thrives when we invest in universal solutions rather than niche accommodations.