WHO, Country Office for Nepal, with support from the National Federation of the Disabled-Nepal (NFDN), conducted a disability access audit at the COVID-19 Unified Central Hospital (Bir Hospital) upon the hospital’s request. The audit sought to assess the gaps in access to information, facilities, and services for persons with disabilities.
A team comprising individuals with disabilities, representatives from NFDN and WHO, Country Office for Nepal, carried out the physical audit of the facility using a brief checklist developed by WHO and partners. The activity is part of an ongoing collaboration between WHO, Country Office for Nepal, and NFDN for advocating and promoting disabled-friendly and inclusive COVID-19 facilities and services in Nepal.
Accessibility check at the COVID-19 testing area in the COVID-19 Unified Central Hospital, Bir Hospital, Nepal. Photo Credit: WHO Nepal
“Disability access audit is the first step towards ensuring barrier-free access to health facilities; not only for persons with disabilities, but also for the elderly, children, and those who are temporarily disabled due to trauma or surgery. Government of Nepal is committed to provide disability inclusive services,” said Dr Bhupendra Basnet, Chief Administrative Officer of Central Covid-19 Hospital.
After completing the audit, the team made the following recommendations which were shared with the senior management team of the hospital to improve the hospital’s accessibility:
- Tactile pavements should be installed along the patient care pathway to improve accessibility for persons with visual impairments. Similarly, audio guidance for those with hearing impairments may be provided. Signages for all persons with disabilities must be installed from the entrance to all the service areas within the hospital.
- The gaps in existing ramps and curbs need minor modifications and should be addressed for facilitating smooth movement and transfers.
- Establish a help desk for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups and engage a person with disability and/or sign language interpreter near the reception counter.
- Provision of designated disabled-friendly parking slots
- Elevators should have audio as well as braille buttons
- Toilets in the Outpatient Department (OPD), fever clinic need minor modifications with door closure, placement of sink and mirrors, and the ones in the wards need major modification at entry and for movement within.
- Two-step counters at the information desk, pharmacy, cash counters, nurses and doctor’s stations.
- In PCR testing cubicle/swabbing booth, provide an additional glove port at 3 feet level for wheelchair users.
- At least 10% of beds (20 beds to start with) should be of lower level for easy transfer from wheelchair to bed and vice-versa.
- Drinking water points should be accessible for wheelchair users.
WHO will continue to engage with COVID-19 Unified Central Bir Hospital in the implementation of recommendations with the support of partners.
Accessibility check at the pharmacy of the COVID-19 Unified Central Hospital, Bir Hospital, Nepal. Photo Credit: WHO Nepal
“Leaving No One Behind means ensuring everyone, regardless of any disability or condition they may have, have access to health services, information and facilities. WHO will continue to work with partners in creating more inclusive and accessible health spaces in the country,” said Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal.
In addition to the audit, WHO, Country Office for Nepal has been supporting NFDN to operate virtual help desks at the district level aimed at providing life-saving guidance and information on COVID-19, identifying vulnerable households, providing telerehabilitation, and counseling through woman peer counselors during the pandemic. At the provincial level, a sub-cluster has been formed, which provides an interface with the government and partners to address the needs identified by the district focal points. Along with partners, NFDN successfully advocated for prioritizing persons with disabilities in the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout.