The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has reported that 15,236 individuals were registered in the National Disability Registry by the end of January this year.

According to NSPA statistics, the registry includes 6,410 women and 8,826 men. Children under the age of 18 account for 5,160 registered individuals, with NSPA statistics indicating a higher proportion of boys than girls in this age group. Adults aged between 18 and 64 represent the largest group, with 7,697 individuals registered, including 3,744 women and 3,953 men. Senior citizens aged over 65 total 2,379, comprising 1,103 women and 1,276 men.

NSPA said MVR 16.9 million was spent on therapeutic treatments for persons with disabilities during the reporting period. Behavioural therapy accounted for the highest expenditure, with MVR 4.9 million spent on services provided to 340 individuals. Occupational therapy services received MVR 4.6 million for 323 beneficiaries, while speech therapy amounted to MVR 4.3 million, supporting 332 individuals.

Educational therapy services totalled MVR 2.4 million for 216 individuals. Physiotherapy services were provided to 25 individuals at a cost of MVR 471,492, while psychotherapy services amounted to MVR 75,600 for 18 individuals. Early intervention services were delivered to four children, with expenditure totalling MVR 23,100.

NSPA said the National Disability Registry is being developed to compile comprehensive data on persons with disabilities, supporting policy planning, service delivery and the allocation of assistance based on assessed needs.