Biratnagar:Participants at a workshop that began in Biratnagar, Morang, on Tuesday emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure more accessible and inclusive eye health services in Nepal.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the five-day workshop titled ‘Accessibility GO! A Guide to Action’ is being organized by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Lahan Eye and Ear Care System with support from CBM Global. It gathers 43 participants from organizations of persons with disabilities, government agencies, eye health institutions, and development partners from across Nepal.
The workshop aims to identify barriers faced by persons with disabilities in accessing health services and explore practical solutions. ‘Accessibility GO! A Guide to Action’, developed by the World Blind Union and CBM Global, serves as a practical guide to help eye health institutions enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
Participants will discuss implementing the guide’s seven accessibility commitments tailored to local circumstances. A three-step process involving assessment, planning, implementation, and review will also be highlighted.
The event is expected to bolster advocacy for inclusive healthcare services in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Nepal has ratified. It facilitates experience-sharing between service providers and users to identify barriers in healthcare delivery.
Sudhir Thakur, Executive Director of Lahan Eye and Ear Care System, emphasized that accessibility is crucial for equal healthcare access. Krishnamaya Adhikari, President of the Deafblind Association Morang, stressed the importance of integrating the experiences of persons with disabilities at the planning and design stages.
Participants will develop action plans categorized into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals based on the workshop’s findings. The long-term objective is to institutionalize collaboration among disability organizations, eye health institutions, government agencies, and development partners, making accessibility a core component of healthcare planning and accountability.