The Minister of State for Gender Labour and Social Development in charge of Disability Affairs, Hon. Acan Joyce Okeny, has called on the government and stakeholders to urgently make Uganda’s health system accessible to persons with disabilities. She said inclusion is a legal obligation, not an act of charity.
Acan delivered the keynote address at the National Policy Dialogue on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities on Thursday at Skyz Hotel, Naguru.
The dialogue was held under the theme, “Advancing Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities through Inclusive Health Systems.”
Acan singled out the lack of adjustable beds in hospitals as a major failure.
“It is unacceptable that a mother with a disability still struggles to access a labour bed. That is not just a gap in service, it is a denial of dignity,” she said.
She said the lack of beds especially affects little persons, who are often unable to climb onto standard beds or be examined safely.
Acan urged the Minister of Health to ensure something is done urgently, especially at Health Centre IVs.
“Health Centre IVs are the first point of care for many of our people. If a little person cannot be served there, where else will they go?” she said.
Under Section 7 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020, health facilities must provide wheelchairs, accessible examination tables and accessible labour beds.
“Disability inclusion is not a favour. It is the law, and it must be enforced,” Acan said.
Namukasa Lillian, Head of Programmes at the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, raised the lack of qualified sign language interpreters in the health sector.
She said it has left persons with hearing impairment struggling to communicate with health workers and understand their treatment.
The dialogue identified physical, communication, financial, attitudinal, information, and policy barriers to care. It also agreed on priorities including disability-inclusive budgeting, accessible infrastructure, assistive devices and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.
“Health is a fundamental human right. Disability should never be a reason for exclusion,” Acan said.
The Chief Guest, the Minister of State for Primary Healthcare, Hon. Charles Ayume, acknowledged the need to bridge the gap.
“We cannot talk about universal health coverage while persons with disabilities cannot enter our facilities or communicate with our health workers,” Ayume said.
On sign language interpreters, Ayume said the process to have them recruited is on.
He said the Health Service Commission is handling the process and soon, they shall be employed across the country.
However, Ms Lillian accused the Commission of doing things without consulting the Council, which has the supervisory and regulatory mandate.
She questioned the authenticity of the process, whose adverts are running in the media.
Ayume promised to act on all the issues raised. “I will write to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health on these matters to ensure they are taken care of for the common good of everyone.” he said.