Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has designated officers to assist persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in health facilities across the country.
According to Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director-General of GHS, the designated officers will provide support to PWDs throughout their hospital visit, from the outpatient department to consultation, pharmacy, and accounts.
“This initiative is part of our efforts to enhance inclusive healthcare delivery,” Prof. Akoriyea said. “We want to ensure that PWDs have access to quality healthcare services without any barriers.”
The GHS has instructed regional health directors to implement this initiative immediately, with a team stationed at the GHS headquarters to provide similar support.
In addition, the GHS is collaborating with the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) to launch another initiative targeting children with disabilities.
This initiative will provide assistive devices for children with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Stakeholders, including the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, have commended the GHS for this initiative. However, they also emphasized the need for proper training for healthcare professionals to provide effective and compassionate care to PWDs.
The Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations also called for increased accessibility in medical products, enhanced communication support for people with hearing impairments, and more employment opportunities for PWDs within the health sector.
The GHS has assured that it will work closely with stakeholders to address these concerns and ensure that PWDs receive quality healthcare services.
