Discrimination against disabled in Gozo

The first week of December was dedicated to persons with disability. The theme chosen by the National Commission Persons with Disability was "Access for All, Success for All". I would like to bring to the attention of readers just one facet of this theme - physical accessibility. Unfortunately this is not possible in most of the government clinics in Gozo.

There are 12 village clinics. Physical accessibility to five of these is impossible if the person using them suffers from a physical disability since they lie either on the first floor of the building or they are served with stairs. The access to the other clinics is indirectly possible only with some help. Persons with disabilities cannot make use of these clinics and so they are being discriminated against according to the law.

One has to include elderly persons and other patients suffering from arthritis or lack of mobility of any sort.

Besides, some of the clinics which are supposed to be under the umbrella of the local councils are being left in an appalling state with a lack of modern furniture and the necessary medical equipment. The local councils concerned are expected to find better places for these clinics or at least make the present ones accessible and see to their upkeep and appearance so that they will reduce the inconveniences being met by the residents at present. On the other hand, I must say that a few of them are very well kept and completely accessible. Well done to the local councils involved.