The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), Dr. James David Lalu, has reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to improving access to healthcare for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. This declaration came during a press briefing at the Poverty and Disability Initiative in Nigeria (PADIN) free medical outreach, held at the Karonmagiji Disability Colony in Abuja on Saturday.
Dr. Lalu emphasized the crucial role of healthcare services in the lives of PWDs, as recognized in the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018. He stated, “When the association approached the Commission, it was easy to collaborate because it aligns with our mandate. We worked with them to ensure that a conducive environment was provided for this wonderful program, offering free medical services to persons with disabilities in this community.”
The outreach included various medical services, such as testing, surgeries, the distribution of medications, and medical equipment like blood pressure monitors. Dr. Lalu highlighted that this initiative is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which prioritizes the well-being of PWDs in Nigeria.
Further underscoring the Commission’s commitment, Dr. Lalu revealed ongoing efforts to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for healthcare access specifically tailored to PWDs. The Commission is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health to form an action working committee dedicated to this cause. The SOPs are expected to standardize hospital equipment and facilities, ensuring they are accessible to PWDs.
“We are also committed to providing access to primary healthcare services for persons with disabilities,” Dr. Lalu added. “In collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA), we have conducted training for primary healthcare providers to enhance their capacity to serve PWDs, particularly in rural areas.”
In a significant step forward, the NCPWD, in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority, is set to launch a comprehensive health insurance coverage for PWDs under the National Healthcare Development Fund. The Minister of Health has pledged that 15 percent of the fund will be allocated to providing health insurance for PWDs. To access this free health insurance scheme, PWDs will be issued a certificate of disability by the Commission.
Mrs. Okafor Christina Obinna, Program Director and Head of the Women Commission at PADIN explained that the free medical outreach and the introduction of telemedicine were responses to the significant healthcare challenges faced by PWDs in the Karonmagiji community. “We have been working with this community for over five years, providing food items, crutches, and wheelchairs. We realized that access to healthcare was their major problem,” she said. “So, we decided to introduce telemedicine, allowing them to consult doctors from the comfort of their homes. For physical visits, we have arrangements in place to ensure they are attended to promptly at the hospital.”
Mrs. Obinna also mentioned that community members (PWDs) had been trained to guide others in using telemedicine.
The project with support from the Resolution Project in New York, USA provided the necessary equipment, including laptops, phones, first aid kits, and BP monitors, to enable effective telemedicine use. The initiative will soon expand to other disability colonies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), next is Kuchigoro.
Engr. Paul Mmaduabuchi Ogbonna, Country Director of PADIN, emphasized the project’s sustainability by training two PWDs from the community to handle the telemedicine equipment. These individuals, fluent in English and Hausa, will assist community members in accessing medical consultations, effectively breaking down communication barriers.
Dr. Talemoh Wyclffe, Director of Soteria-Afrique Rural Healthcare Initiative, expressed the organization’s commitment to bringing healthcare services to rural areas. “We have been offering healthcare services to hundreds and thousands of people, both in Nigerian communities and abroad,” he said. “Our approach is comprehensive, covering everything from consultation to treatment, including surgery and medication, all free of charge. This outreach is a prelude to the hospital we intend to establish, which will offer free medication and services.”
The PADIN medical outreach, with its focus on telemedicine and free medical services, marks a significant step toward improving healthcare access for PWDs in Nigeria. It demonstrates a collaborative effort between government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to address the healthcare challenges faced by this vulnerable population. As the initiative expands, it promises to bring much-needed healthcare services to PWDs across Nigeria, in line with the renewed hope agenda of the current administration.
