Unhindered Access to Hospital Buildings: A Neglected Domain

Abstract

Globally, 15% of the population suffers from disability. However, the percentage of people visiting hospitals who may be suffering from some form of disability may be higher. It may cause difficulty in accessing the health-care facilities. Universal design features help assimilate persons with disabilities with the mainstream. Patients on trolleys in hospitals jostling with vehicular traffic are a common sight. The lack of functional, dedicated, and encumbrance-free sidewalks for the movement of trolleys is a hindrance. We wish to highlight this aspect, suggest some remedial measures, and initiate a conversation among the health-care planners through this article.

Keywords

• access
• disability
• sidewalk
• universal design