Patients with disabilities had reduced access to health care due to COVID-19 pandemic - study shows

Chisinau, Dec. 7 / MOLDPRES /- Patients with disabilities, diabetes, HIV-positive and palliative care have had reduced access to health care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the study Access to health of vulnerable groups during the pandemic period, conducted by Keystone-Moldova, financially supported by Soros Foundation Moldova.

The study was conducted in April -June 2021, on a sample of 1805 respondents. More than two-thirds of those surveyed say they did not have access to a family doctor and narrow-minded doctors. Most of the obstacles were caused by the fear of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2, the inability to make an appointment with a doctor due to the large number of patients who needed outpatient or hospital medical services.

According to the study, access to medical services and individualized treatment was limited during the pandemic for patients and due to the high level of poverty, lack of diagnostic and treatment services in their home localities, insufficient access to information on services covered by the insurance policy widespread stigma, including in medical institutions.

Some patients in the vulnerable groups also had to postpone surgery and diagnostic services, which is why their health was severely or severely affected.

The authors of the study state that its results and recommendations will be used by NGOs active in the fields of palliative care, disability and diabetes for advocacy to promote respect for the right to health of research groups.

Photo: bundeangajat.olx.ro