Public health advocacy platform, Project Kampe Bodi, has made a case for inclusive healthcare in government hospitals, saying there is a need for hospitals to be accessible for persons with disabilities.

The platform, which also demanded that patients’ Bill of Rights be strengthened, said there was a need to establish disability help desks with assistive technology, while training health workers on inclusion.

These demands were made known during the platform’s first Stakeholders Roundtable Meeting in Abuja, which was held to amplify the voices of vulnerable groups and strengthen service delivery in Nigeria’s government hospitals.

The meeting, themed: ‘Strengthening Service Delivery in Nigeria’s Government Hospitals,’ brought together over 30 participants including persons with disabilities, patient advocacy groups, community representatives and healthcare workers.

Participants shared experiences of discrimination, poor communication and lack of accessibility in public hospitals, stressing the need for empathy, respect and inclusion in healthcare.

A representative of Project Kampe Bodi stated: “This roundtable ensures that the voices of vulnerable groups are not only heard but acted upon in shaping healthcare reforms.”

A representative of FACICP Disability+ added: “We must move from policy to practice by making hospitals truly accessible for persons with disabilities.”

Other recommendations include mobilising youth health champions and deploying accessible telemedicine.

Meanwhile, the Project Kampe Bodi Secretariat will share the report with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners, and begin follow-up engagements to monitor progress.