Accra: The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has designated officers at regional and district hospitals nationwide to assist persons living with disabilities (PWDs) seeking care. These officers will guide PWDs from the outpatient department through consultation, pharmacy, and accounts, thereby avoiding long queues and ensuring seamless navigation until their departure from the facility.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director-General of GHS, announced this initiative during a meeting with the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations and various PWD groups. The meeting aimed to discuss enhancing accessibility to health services for PWDs. Some designated officers may be proficient in sign language, enabling them to assist individuals with hearing impairments effectively.
Prof Akoriyea emphasized the importance of supporting PWDs throughout their hospital visit, from admission to discharge. Regional health directors have been instructed to implement the directive immediately. Additionally, a dedicated team will be stationed at the GHS headquarters to fulfill the same role. Prof Akoriyea stressed that this initiative is an ongoing program, not a temporary project, aiming for sustained support for PWDs in healthcare.
The GHS, in collaboration with the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), plans to launch a project for children with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity for all. The Health Promotion Department will also work to combat stigma against PWDs and address any discriminatory behavior.
Mr Alexander Bankole Williams, Technical Coordinating Officer for Legal Affairs at the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, praised the initiative and urged thorough training for officers to ensure effective assistance. He recommended labeling medications with accessible features like braille and ensuring medical equipment accessibility.
Mr Joseph Atsu Homadzi, President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, suggested classifying and prioritizing challenges into long-term and short-term goals to enhance PWDs' well-being. Mr Yang Bomin, KOFIH Country Representative, highlighted upcoming projects, including providing assistive devices for children with disabilities.
Participants concluded the meeting with a tour of the National Prosthetics and Orthotics Centre to assess ongoing projects and identify areas for improvement.
