COVID-19 sees people with disabilities ignored

In the clamour for beds and vaccines, the voices of the differently abled are drowned out

Satish. K, 55, and a resident of Vijayanagar, is categorised with 40% disability. He is due for two hospital visits — one for his back surgery, and another for the COVID-19 vaccination. But ask him why he has put off the two visits, and he replies, “The surgery is going to cost me a lot. Even if I go to a government hospital, there is no one I have to look after me during and after the surgery. I haven’t taken the vaccine because I’ve been hearing of some people suffering from fever, vomiting or pain after being vaccinated. I have no caretaker, and I don’t want to take a chance if something happens.” Apart from the cloud of logistic issues overshadowing the present vaccination drive, persons with disabilities have been almost invisible even when the drive was in full swing. Those with mobility issues, intellectual disabilities, and others who simply do not have the support system to get themselves vaccinated have largely remained out of the ambit. The few who were able to take advantage of the vaccine rollout, have not had it easy. Ravi Ganesan, 54, got his first dose after some chaos. A resident of Benniganahalli, Mr. Ganesan’s disability is categorised as 75% and above. “It is difficult for me to stand in a queue. So, I opted for a paid vaccine and got an appointment at a hospital on Cunningham Road as there were no appointments available anywhere near my house. After travelling all the way, they told us there was no stock. I then heard that it was available in Jayanagar, so I travelled again and got the first dose,” he said.