Communication Barrier Hinders Quality Service Delivery At Health Facilities

The unavailability of sign language interpreters in both, private and public hospitals is alleged to be creating huge challenges for the dumb and deaf to access quality health services.

The concern comes in the limelight of both, government and private health facilities still yet to recruit sign interpreters to assist those who cannot speak or hear.

Chairperson of the Mzuzu Disability Forum, Joyce Sichali disclosed this when the parliamentarian for Mzuzu City, Bennex Mwamlima organized a get-together for people with various forms of physical challenges at the Grand Palace Hotel.

Sichali said apart from registering some cases of discrimination against people with various forms of disabilities at public institutions, she highlighted communication to remain a huge problem.

“It is very disheartening, we are neglected even at public health facilities mainly when there are communication problems, instead of being assisted some health officials feel that we waste their time,” Sichali said.

In his remarks, the Mzuzu Parliamentarian assured the forum that he will engage relevant authorities to ensure the plight of those with physical disabilities in accessing equal opportunities on public resources remains a reality.

Mwamlima then encouraged some skilled workers though physically challenged to continue working hard to continue sustaining their livelihoods without depending on handouts.

“Let the will of God be manifested by laying a helping hand on our brothers and sisters with physical challenges, but if there is anyone discriminating them let him or her be reported right away,” said Mwamlima.

On inflation emanating from the effects of the recent 44 percent devaluation of the kwacha by the Reserve Bank of Malawi, Mwamlima called on constituents to work hard in all spheres of economic development in order to produce more and export some.

He then assisted the Mzuzu Disability Forum with K1 million to share among themselves in preparation for the Christmas and New Year festive season.