MVR 4.8 million spent on therapy for people with special needs

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) spent MVR 4.83 million from the state budget on therapeutic treatment for people with special needs last month, according to its latest statistics.

A total of 324 people received assistance, including 310 children. Another 157 individuals received financial assistance under the General Healthcare Assistance Programme.

Behaviour therapy accounted for the largest share of spending at MVR 1.56 million, followed by occupational therapy at MVR 1.24 million and speech therapy at MVR 1.21 million.

Educational therapy accounted for MVR 748,400, while smaller amounts were spent on intervention, physiotherapy and psychotherapy.

NSPA statistics show that children under 18 make up the majority of those receiving assistance, with the number of boys increasing across age groups.

The figures highlight the government's role in funding therapeutic services for people with disabilities as demand for treatment continues to grow in the Maldives.