Gov't to recruit sign language interpreters in health facilities

Government has unveiled plans to recruit sign language interpreters in all government health facilities across the country, aiming at addressing  the communication barriers faced by persons with hearing and speech impairments.

This announcement was made by Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng while officiating the Women and Children’s Health Camp in Lira City.

Dr. Aceng highlighted the persistent shortage of professional sign language interpreters in health facilities despite the existence of structures intended to accommodate them.

"Previously, we had very few people trained in sign language, making it difficult to have them in all the health facilities but right now, we have introduced such personnel in the structure," says Dr. Aceng.

In Uganda, access to healthcare services remains a significant challenge for individuals with hearing and speech impairments, as they often rely on third parties to communicate with healthcare workers.

In some cases, patients are asked to communicate through writing, which is considered problematic by the disability union given that a greater percentage of them are illiterate.

Dr. Aceng said the new recruitment structure, once fully implemented, will ease access to better health services across the country, including at lower-level facilities.

"They are going to be recruited just like health workers from Health Center III up to the national level so that when we have patients with disabilities, particularly hearing impairments, we can have people who can interpret for them," she said.

Over the years, the National Union of Persons with Disabilities has advocated for mandatory sign language interpretation training for health workers in government health facilities.

In a circular dated May 7, 2024, the Ministry of Public Service instructed Chief Administrative Officers across the country to initiate the process of recruiting sign language interpreters.

Mathew Omara, the chairperson of the Lira Union of Persons with Disabilities, said the lack of sign language interpreters in major government institutions often leaves persons with disabilities underserved.

"Whenever persons with hearing and speech impairments visit health facilities seeking healthcare services, the communication gap hinders and limits their efforts in getting into more details about their health conditions since most health workers do not understand their language," Omara explained.

Currently, many persons with hearing and speech impairments avoid government health facilities and seek care from places where they can find medical professionals who understand their needs.

"For instance, when it comes to health issues such as HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, those with hearing and speech impairments need privacy just like other people. However,  because many health officials do not know sign language, they seek help from interpreters," Omara said.

Omara believes the new plan will address the challenges of persons with disabilities.

"I am calling upon the leadership and administration of other institutions in Lira, such as the courts and police, to emulate what the Ministry of Health intends to do," Omara said.

At Lira Regional Referral Hospital, authorities have conducted training to bridge the communication gap between health workers and persons with hearing impairments.

Dr. Nathan Onyachi, the Director of Lira Regional Referral, said at least seven health workers from different units have completed a mandatory three-month basic sign language interpretation training.

"This is a milestone at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in extending patient care to all categories of people. We now have seven staff members trained in sign language," Dr. Onyachi said.

"This should be the way forward for the rest of the country to bring equitable services to our people so that everybody benefits. I think the community for the deaf and the mute must be excited about this development."

In Lira City and District alone, available data indicates that there are 60,707 persons living with different forms of disability, 20% of whom are persons with hearing and speech impairments.