Persons with Disabilities Demand Accessible Healthcare Services in Uganda

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda are urging the government to prioritize the creation of accessible healthcare facilities, citing significant barriers that impede their access to essential medical services.

During the launch of disability awareness week at Wakiso Secondary School for the Deaf, Ms. Laura Kanushu, the National Female MP representing PWDs, emphasized the urgent need for sign-language interpreters in health centers. She stated that the lack of interpreters prevents individuals with hearing impairments from communicating confidentially with healthcare providers, a concern that has been repeatedly raised but largely ignored.

Kanushu also pointed out the inadequacy of physical infrastructure, such as accessible beds and ramps, which are crucial for PWDs. “Health access is not a favour. It is a right,” she declared, appealing to the Ministry of Health to incorporate disability-specific interventions into its budget allocations. She further advocated for the mainstreaming of PWD funding across all government ministries, arguing that disability issues transcend the scope of a single ministry and should be integrated into broader policy discussions.

Students from Wakiso Secondary School for the Deaf echoed these concerns, identifying the absence of interpreters as the most significant hurdle. They explained that when health workers cannot communicate in sign language, deaf patients are often forced to rely on family members, which compromises their medical privacy and confidentiality, especially when discussing sensitive information.

Mr. Esau Muhumya, Senior Clinical Officer at Wakiso Health Centre IV, acknowledged the need for alternative communication methods, such as written notes and visual aids, and called upon the government to provide the necessary materials. Ms. Deborah Mazzi, Wakiso District Councillor representing PWDs, proposed that District Service Commissions recruit interpreters to be available at health facilities on demand.

Dr. Moses Muwanga from the Ministry of Health admitted that while inclusion structures, trained physiotherapists, and interpreters exist, significant gaps remain in human resources, funding, infrastructure, and communication. He assured that the ministry is focusing on early identification, community-based rehabilitation, and enhancing rehabilitation services to address these challenges.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/pwds-demand-disability-friendly-health-services-5615446