Sangath India’s iHEAR team, in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, hosted a one-daydissemination event focused on “More Accessible Healthcare for Persons with Disabilities in Goa”, under the iHEAR Access Matters project. The event brought together hospital administrators and key stakeholders for a
sensitization and capacity-building session, featuring interactive discussions with members of the disability community who shared their lived experiences. The program
aimed to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility in public health facilities across the state. The event was inaugurated with welcome addresses by Shri Guru Pawaskar,
Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Varsha Naik, Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; and Mr. Aresh Naik, Chairperson of
Sangath. A major highlight of the event was the presentation of findings from accessibility audits conducted at 11 government hospitals across Goa. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the State Commissioner’s Office, Sangath, and the Designbridge Foundation, with the goal of assessing and improving accessibility for persons with
disabilities. Speaking on the need for inclusive design, Mr. Abhijit Murugkar from Designbridge Foundation remarked, “It is an urgent priority to sensitize your colleagues and those
around you. Universal design benefits everyone, not just persons with disabilities.” The post-lunch session featured a powerful panel discussion titled “Lived Experiences
of Disability in Healthcare”, moderated by Dr. Satendra Singh. Panelists included Mr. Vishant Nagvekar, Mr. Mahadev Sawant, Mrs. Jamila Haaziq, Mr. Rahul Kunkolienkar,
and Ms. Anoushka Virk, each sharing deeply personal insights into navigating the healthcare system with a disability. Dr. Singh emphasized, “Accessibility isn’t just about
infrastructure; it’s about dignity, equity, and the right to care. This training was not just about compliance, but about transforming mindsets.” The event marks a significant step forward in strengthening partnerships between civil society and government to make Goa’s healthcare system more inclusive.