Healthcare hurdles for people with disabilities

Recently I read a distressing report from Blueprint Newspapers regarding the struggles of women with disabilities in Anambra State, Nigeria. In Nigeria, over 25 million people live with disabilities, with women representing a significant portion. The Association of Anambra State Women with Disabilities revealed the numerous troubling barriers these women face in accessing healthcare.

The report highlighted systemic issues such as the lack of ramps, adjustable beds and the lack of assistive devices at healthcare facilities, which can severely affect the quality of care, especially for women during labour. The absence of sign language interpreters further complicates communication for hearing-impaired patients. Issues with prepayment for treatments also present a significant obstacle for individuals who may not have the financial means to cover upfront costs for essential treatments. Data from the United Nations Population Funds also highlights that women with disabilities face severe challenges in reproductive healthcare.

This situation persists despite the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, which was intended to ensure equal access to healthcare for all Nigerians. The ongoing challenges reflect a disheartening gap between the legal protections provided and the reality of healthcare access for people with disabilities.

These barriers contribute to a broader issue of systemic exclusion where individuals with disabilities are denied equitable healthcare despite legal assurances. Although the 2018 Act was designed to address these issues, many healthcare facilities continue to fall short in accommodating patients with disabilities. This ongoing discrimination and inadequate service highlight a critical failure to effectively implement the legal protections intended for persons with disabilities.
From my perspective as a physician with over a decade of experience in Nigeria, I have seen firsthand the discrimination and neglect faced by patients with disabilities. My medical practice intersects with advocacy for vulnerable populations, and I have observed how systemic biases and inadequate facilities impact the quality of care provided. For instance, the lack of adjustable beds for patients with disabilities significantly impairs their comfort and access to appropriate care, while insufficient training for healthcare providers on how to effectively engage with patients with disabilities exacerbates these issues. These barriers not only hinder access to care but also contribute to the broader marginalisation of these individuals. This experience drives my commitment to a more inclusive healthcare system that aligns with the protections intended by the 2018 Act.
Some may argue that individual healthcare facilities should take absolute responsibility for improving accessibility for patients with disabilities. While this perspective emphasizes the importance of localised responsibility, it fails to account for the need for systemic change. Isolated efforts by individual facilities may lead to some improvements, but without a coordinated approach and comprehensive enforcement of accessibility standards across all healthcare institutions, progress remains inconsistent. Therefore, the focus must remain on enforcing existing laws and ensuring comprehensive implementation throughout the healthcare system to effectively bridge the gap and provide equitable care for all patients with disabilities

To address these pressing issues, it is essential for the Nigerian Ministry of Health to take decisive action. This includes ensuring that the Act is fully implemented and that healthcare facilities are equipped with necessary infrastructure, such as ramps and adjustable beds. Healthcare workers need training to effectively meet the needs of patients with disabilities. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be conducted to ensure compliance with the law. Additionally, all future healthcare facilities must be constructed with features that ensure accessibility for patients with disabilities. Human rights advocates should continue to raise awareness and apply pressure to ensure that these changes are made.
By fostering a more inclusive healthcare system, Nigeria can better honor and uphold the rights of all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. Only through these concerted efforts can we bridge the gap and provide equitable healthcare for everyone.