People with disabilities in Morobe Province are playing a direct role in shaping the design of the former emergency department – called the Gware building - at the ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital, ensuring the facility is safer, more dignified and accessible for all.
Representatives from the Morobe Disability Association in Lae recently participated in consultations on the proposed refurbishment.
The consultations included a guided tour of the existing facility and the temporary clinical locations, allowing participants to identify practical accessibility and safety improvements that will be incorporated into the final building design.
Ms Idah Dail, a Women in Disability advocate, said the consultations marked an important shift toward meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in health infrastructure planning.
“For me, as a woman living with disability, this consultation is very important,” Ms Dail said.
“This is the first time we have been included in a meaningful way to share our ideas and concerns about how hospital facilities can be more accessible, especially for people using wheelchairs or with artificial limbs.”
President of the Morobe Disability Association, Mr Benedict Hippom, welcomed the opportunity for disability leaders to contribute directly to the design process.
“I am happy our recommendations for the outpatient building design at ANGAU Hospital will now include more disability-friendly features for a fair, dignified and accessible health service for all,” Mr Hippom said.
The consultations reflect Australia and Papua New Guinea’s shared commitment to inclusive development by ensuring people with disabilities are able to participate as equal stakeholders in decisions that affect their access to essential health services.
Australia continues to work closely with disability organisations, health authorities and local communities to ensure infrastructure investments promote fairness, dignity and equal access to healthcare for all Papua New Guineans.
ENDS
Mrs Idah Dail ensuring meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in health infrastructure planning.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100