The Ministry of Health, Family, and Welfare announced that work is already underway to review and substantially amend the Disability Act, which has remained unchanged since its enactment in 2010.
Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu program, State Minister for Health, Family and Welfare Ahmed Athif emphasised that the upcoming revisions will transform the existing legislation into what he described as “a brand‑new law.”
State Minister Athif noted that societal conditions have shifted dramatically since the act was first drafted in 2008‑2009, with heightened public awareness, expanded access to services, and evolving challenges for persons with disabilities.
“Rights regarding education and healthcare were written very vaguely in the current law. In the newly drafted legislation, the specific responsibilities of individual sectors and institutions will be clearly defined. It will outline empowerment models, as well as provisions on employment and financial independence,” he explained.
A key focus of the reform is the establishment of an effective early‑detection system for disabilities in infancy—a component absent from the original act. State Minister Athif stressed that early identification will help shape service delivery, facilitate timely interventions, and mitigate future risks.
The review process is being conducted through extensive consultations with persons with disabilities, field experts, and non‑governmental organisations, ensuring that the revised act reflects lived experiences and expert insight.