Healthcare Inequities: The Battle for Access Amongst Nigeria’s Disabled Population
Accessible and inclusive healthcare is a fundamental human right, and it should be no different for people with disabilities in Nigeria. However, for far too long, individuals with disabilities have faced numerous barriers when seeking medical services. There are several reasons why inclusive health has been a challenge in Nigeria and in some other African societies. Here we itemised our findings.
1.Discrimantion, prejudices and disrespect: The number one issue here is the discrimination and prejudice within the healthcare system. Some individuals with disabilities report being treated disrespectfully or even denied care due to their disability. This discrimination creates a hostile environment that deters people from seeking medical assistance when needed.
2-Inaccessible physical structures: While there have been improvements over the years, much needs to be done about the physical infrastructure of many healthcare facilities across Nigeria as most are still inaccessible to people with disabilities. Some basic facilities like widened doorways and accessible restrooms are rare. With these, navigating the uneven terrain of hospitals and clinics becomes an arduous task for individuals with mobility impairments.
3, Effective communications: Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential. How does a certain Persons with disabilities (especially persons with speech and hearing impairment of some intellectual developmental challenge etc) communicate their ailments if the doctor or nurse doesn’t speak their ‘language’. Trained social workser who could do this are always in short supply or absent in many hospitals,
In Nigeria, individuals with hearing or speech impairments often struggle to convey their medical concerns. Lack of sign language interpreters and alternative communication methods further worsens these communication challenges.
4- No access to healthcare information: Also, access to healthcare information in formats suitable for individuals with disabilities is severely lacking. Braille materials, audio resources, or materials in large print are rare, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to understand their medical conditions, treatment options, and prescriptions.
In addition to this, some healthcare professionals, while well-intentioned, often lack the training required to provide appropriate care to individuals with special needs and disabilities. This includes understanding the unique needs and challenges these patients face and how to make necessary accommodations.
5-Quality primary health for special needs can be too far away: Accessing healthcare services often involves travel, and public transportation is frequently inaccessible to people with disabilities. This lack of transportation options means that individuals may have to rely on costly private transportation or forgo medical appointments altogether.
While Nigeria has made progress in recognizing the rights of people with disabilities, there are still gaps in policies and regulations that need to be addressed. Ensuring that healthcare facilities are accessible and that discrimination is prohibited in all healthcare settings is crucial.
Addressing these barriers requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. The government, healthcare institutions, advocacy groups, and the community must collaborate to create a more inclusive healthcare system. Initiatives such as accessible infrastructure, specialized training for healthcare professionals, and awareness campaigns can significantly improve the situation.
In conclusion, it is imperative that Nigeria takes concrete steps to remove these barriers and ensure that individuals with disabilities can access medical services on an equal basis with others. Recognizing that diversity and inclusivity are our strengths, we must work collectively to ensure that healthcare is a right accessible to all, regardless of their abilities.
6-Policy formations not enough: It’s not just about changing policies; it’s about transforming attitudes and building a more compassionate and inclusive society for all Nigerians. The journey towards inclusive healthcare requires the collective effort of government, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and the community at large. By working together, we can ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to the medical care they deserve. It’s not only a matter of policy; it’s a matter of humanity.