KOHIMA, MARCH 20 (MExN): In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro has urged the Nagaland Government to establish clear protocols for public health emergencies and issue clear directives to ensure that access to healthcare, including life-saving measures, do not discriminate against people with disabilities.
In a letter to the Chief Secretary, Nakhro said that Nagas with disabilities are a vulnerable population in the COVID-19 pandemic because they are at elevated risk of severe consequences due to underlying health conditions.
She asked that immediate directives must be given to ensure that all hospitals providing services related to COVID-19 are made completely accessible, including accessible toilets.
In many cases of persons with disabilities who need hospital care, family members/caregivers will be required to be present, she stated. The State Commissioner urged that protocols must be put in place to ensure that this is made possible and also to make sure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are provided at no cost.
“It is also crucial that information about how to prevent and contain the coronavirus is made accessible to everyone. Public advice campaigns and information from the government and health authorities must be made available to the public in sign language and accessible means, modes and formats, including accessible digital technology, captioning, relay services, text messages, easy-to-read and plain language,” she added.
