Unequal treatment of women with disabilities in gynecology offices. MZ response

Gynecological surgeries have serious deficiencies: they are not architecturally accessible, do not have proper gynecological chairs, lifts, or specialized scales. Currently, only 124 offices are equipped with lowered chairs, and lifts are available in 10 offices. Despite some progress, the pace of change is too slow.

Creating and implementing accessibility standards is key. This requires legislation, in line with the Strategy for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. It is also necessary to train medical personnel to communicate with people with special needs so that patients do not feel discriminated against.

Marcin Wiącek asked the Health Ministry to analyze the problem and release the results of a study on the availability of gynecological services.

The topic raised by Mr. Ombudsman is of particular importance to me, and my ministry is leading efforts to improve health care opportunities for these people," says Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna.

Izabela Leszczyna said that her ministry is implementing measures to improve accessibility in health care. In 2019-2023, the "Accessibility Plus for Health" project was implemented, which included grants for facilities to adapt them to the needs of people with disabilities. The new "Accessibility Plus for AOS" project plans to support 362 facilities and train at least 1,000 employees to communicate with patients with special needs.

The Ministry of Health has also planned to analyze the accessibility of services for women with disabilities as part of the Strategy for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. In response to the RPO's questions, the ministry assured that the topic of accessibility is included in the training programs of the health professions, and work on further developments is underway.

Source: RPO