SOCIAL-MEDICAL PROBLEMS OF THE HANDICAPPED

The definition of the handicapped implies some disorder in man's social function and his attitude towards his environment. For the family of the handicapped life is imbued with chronic uncertainty, economic problems and social isolation. The concept of the handicapped involves a low degree of IQ, genetic potential, reduced laming capacity, reduced social adaptability, psychic and social problems damage to the central nervous system and specific organic disorders. The world health organization estimates that in the world there are two hundred thirty millions of people with all sorts of handicaps; this imposes a high pressure upon medical and social institutions, economic costs for the families and the communities as well as problems related to education and selective employment. The authors present the most important measures of the health service regarding health promotion specific protection, early treatment, limited incapacity and rehabilitation.