Prosthesis and Orthesis to the Thalidomide Victims

After struggling for helping the disabled with orthesis, prosthesis, the specific kind of equipment, medical assistance and the necessary surgeries in order to minimize the physical deformities, ABPST Thalidomide Syndrome Brazilian Victims Association could make compulsory for the States to obey the Laws nº8686/93 and MS 97/97.

In spite of ABPST efforts, the priorities for Thalidomide victims have not been respected, unfortunately.

Public Administrative Organizations do not know about legislation, as a result many Thalidomide children victims do not have an efficient medical assistance as well as prosthesis, orthesis or the necessary equipment by rights. That is why children are losing rights to spend a fair childhood concerning their leisure time, their school and all the important playful period of childhood, which is the best period for learning and also the best period for them to adapt themselves to the equipment.

Since 1993 when the Law was introduced the State of São Paulo was the one which has been giving more equipment to the victims. We are in São Paulo and this is the reason why the results are better here. ABPST has established partnership with Healthy representatives.

The world has changed since then and it is very important for the whole country, the government, the administrative agents to be conscious of the situation.

We are all citizens People should require better conditions of life by law if necessary. The Law must be obeyed.