Kathmandu: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns regarding the lack of disabled-friendly infrastructure, which continues to pose significant challenges for people with disabilities (PWD) in accessing essential services and facilities. Despite the high quality of buildings housing service provider agencies, the NHRC highlights that these infrastructures fall short in accommodating the needs of disabled individuals.
According to National News Agency Nepal, a recent report unveiled by the NHRC concerning mental health rights in the Gandaki and Bagmati Provinces indicates a substantial gap in disabled-friendly provisions within both public and private healthcare facilities. Rehabilitation centers and other organizations similarly lack accessible facilities. While some new buildings feature lifts and ramps for wheelchair access, essential amenities such as restrooms, bathrooms, and canteens remain largely inaccessible to PWD.
The report further underscores the neglect of PWD’s basic nee
ds, such as access to food, clean drinking water, and comfortable accommodations. A shortage of skilled human resources, including psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social mobilizers, is particularly pronounced in the Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, exacerbating the challenges faced by PWD.
The National Health Insurance Programme is reported to be ineffective for individuals with mental health issues or psychological disabilities, as their access to necessary services is limited. NHRC Chairperson Tap Bahadur Magar emphasized the study’s focus on evaluating the quality of treatment, care, and support mechanisms available to individuals with mental health problems and psychological disabilities.
The study also revealed significant disparities in sanitation standards at organizations and rehabilitation centers, with some maintaining good conditions, while others only average. Additionally, issues of confidentiality have been largely overlooked by these organizations. Several private hospitals were found
lacking disabled-friendly toilets, and access to quality mental health services in Gandaki Province, which has a predominantly rural population, remains limited compared to Bagmati Province.
Chairperson Magar highlighted the study’s recommendations to government and stakeholders, urging them to ensure the rights of individuals with psycho-social disabilities and enhance their mental health and wellbeing. Dr. Krishna Poudel from the Ministry of Health and Population acknowledged the ministry’s limitations in extending psychiatric services to remote areas, including Sudurpaschim Province. Efforts are being made to appoint specialists in all seven provinces despite resource constraints.
In light of these findings, the NHRC has called upon the three tiers of government to prioritize the rights of people with disabilities in their policies, plans, programs, and budgets. This call for action coincides with the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, urging federal, provincial, and l
ocal governments to protect and promote the rights of disabled individuals.