On November 20-21, 2024, presentations and discussions of roadmaps to improve access to medical and rehabilitation services in the Irshava and Brody communities were held online. The event was organized with the support of the USAID HOVERLA Project, which promotes improved access to health care services for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The main issues that were discussed:
- In Irshava, the community faces serious problems, such as an insufficient number of rehabilitation specialists, lack of equipment to ensure quality rehabilitation, and the absence of assistive technology rooms.
- Similar problems were also identified in Brody, including understaffing of multidisciplinary teams, insufficient number of rehabilitation specialists, and lack of coverage of large parts of the population with rehabilitation programs. In addition, the lack of contracts with suppliers of medical devices and rehabilitation aids makes it difficult to provide full physical rehabilitation.
«It is important for us that such initiatives help not only to solve urgent issues of access to services, but also to change the approach to rehabilitation at the local level. Together, we can create conditions where every resident will receive the support they deserve,» said Oksana, one of the participants from Irshava.
«Our community needs real changes in access to medical services. In particular, it is important to ensure that medical facilities are accessible to people with limited mobility. This includes not only access to medicines and rehabilitation services, but also ensuring the physical accessibility of facilities,» added Ms. Svitlana, a representative of a local organization from Brody.
Special attention was paid to public involvement in the decision-making process. The participants noted the importance of active participation of local organizations of people with disabilities in the development and implementation of roadmaps. This will not only improve the situation with access to rehabilitation services, but also ensure effective monitoring and adaptation of the strategy to the real needs of the community. The call for wider public participation was an important part of the discussion, as it is through openness and involvement of local residents that a truly inclusive environment can be created.
The Irshava and Brody communities, together with NAIU experts and other partners, will continue to implement roadmaps to overcome existing barriers to healthcare and rehabilitation services. This will include attracting additional resources to improve infrastructure, professional development of healthcare professionals, and the development of inclusive rehabilitation programs.
These discussions were an important step towards creating more accessible and inclusive communities where every resident has equal access to the necessary services.
This event was organized by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine within the framework of the Inclusive Rehabilitation Services project and made possible by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the generous support of the American people through the USAID HOVERLA Project. The contents of this event do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID and the U.S. Government.
