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PEOPLE living with disabilities are pleading for assistance from relevant authorities to address lack of access to health care.
These vulnerable individuals include those with physical, social and psychological challenges.
Speaking to H-Metro, Ketty Rambanepasi, 53, pleaded for the facilitation of free medication or at reduced prices.
“I have lost all hope and I no longer seek medical assistance for my severely painful leg because I cannot afford to go to hospital and take care of my family at the same time”, said Rambanepasi.
She said the challenge, which she faces, comes when accessing public transport.
“I find it very difficult to travel to and from work because there will be a lot of pressure at the bus terminus which makes it hard for me to enter the bus.
“No one cares to consider my walking challenges to let me in first.
“This forces me to board private vehicles, which are expensive,” said Rambanepasi.
Tafadzwa Munemo said people living with disabilities were a special group and the material they need to lead a normal life should be made easily accessible.
“Our well-being should be the Government’s first priority and this means crutches and wheelchairs must be free and attainable without any hustles.
“If these crutches are not replaced, after a long period, they pose a serious risk of us having challenges in walking and this can cause more physical damage.
“It is crucial for there to be loans for us because it is very hard for us to put food on the table and there is need for empowerment programmes which allow all people living with disabilities to sustain themselves,” said Munemo.
Another issue raised by the people living with disabilities was related to land allocation.
“It is very difficult for me to get land for farming, or even building a house, because these are too expensive and the Government should disburse pieces of land so that they lessen the burden which we already bear.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter