Ensuring universal access to healthcare in urban slums in the Global South: the case of Bhophal (India)

Summary

In the context of its Urban Eye Health Programme in Bhopal (India), Sightsavers launched a pilot approach aimed at developing an inclusive eye health (IEH) model and IEH minimum standards. Accessibility audits were conducted in a tertiary eye hospital and four primary vision centres located within urban slums, addressing the accessibility of physical infrastructures, communication and service provision. The collection and analysis of disaggregated data informed the inclusion strategy and provided a baseline to measure the impact of service provision. Training eye health staff and sensitising decision makers on accessibility, universal design, disability and gender inclusion are organised on a regular basis. A referral network is being built to ensure participation of women, people with disabilities and other marginalised groups, explore barriers at demand level, and guarantee wider access to eye care in the community. Finally, advocacy interventions will be developed to raise awareness in the community and mainstream disability and gender inclusion within the public health sector.