“We are faced with serious discrimination and lack basic necessities in almost every sector in Nigeria, but for citizens in Kano, we bear the cost of self-medication and quack subscriptions for the neglect we suffer at hospitals and generally in the health institutions—the state has no or fewer sign language interpreters, for which visiting the hospital adds more salt to our trial instead of a solution.” Sani Muhammad Jimada tells the plight of hearing-impaired persons who need urgent consideration
Despite having the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which boldly addresses disability rights and prohibits discrimination based on disability, it outlines various rights and protections for people with disabilities. But it seems the reverse is the case for some citizens in Kano, as access to healthcare seems impossible due to a lack of a proper mechanism.
“Giving a scenario, Jimada revealed to Daily Episode that “the presence of a sign language interpreter is helpful to hearing-impaired persons like me at any hospital, but I find it difficult to have one.
“At one time, my wife and I happened to be victims of discrimination at Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, better known as “Asibitin Nasarawa,” due to a lack of sign-language interpreters.
It started from the reception, where we battled with paper and hard explanations; then, when the doctor called, I observed how they were looking a bit confused, while some were clearly indicating signs of discrimination.
It was worse for the doctor not understanding sign language; neither did the hospital have someone in place as an interpreter, so it was a difficult situation that I had never imagined I could be in.
However, I was privileged to have a mobile phone application that converts voice into text, which we utilised as a means of communication with the doctor to examine my wife.
“Imagine if I were not privileged to be literate, with access to technology; my wife’s situation would have been worse, as a general hospital, like the Nasarawa, would have borne the cost of having no sign language interpreter at a critical time. Jimada decries
“This will tell you the terrible situation hearing-impaired persons encounter in rural hospitals and even the ones in the cities, which affects their healthy living.
“Because not all are literate or privileged enough to have a phone to have access to technological tools that will ease communications in the absence of the sign language interpreters. He added
Urge for a solution
Jimada states that their trials can be resolved so long as the Kano State government understands the rights of persons with disabilities by employing sign language interpreters across the state’s health facilities.
According to him, while it is necessary that the government understand its duty to protect us against any discrimination, our tertiary institutions should also prioritise developing a mechanism where sign language can be in the curriculum, so both doctors and other professionals will have a clear understanding. He urged.
Authorities response
After Jimada’s complaint, Daily Episode tried having input from the Kano state government on the issues, but all efforts returned in vain.
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