The Prime Minister of Sao Tome vowed this Wednesday to work to improve blind people’s access to public services and reduce health care costs, as part of mechanisms to ensure the inclusion and autonomy of the visually impaired in the archipelago.
“What we’re hearing here, the first impression that’s left is that there are actually things that we can do, and it’s just a matter of being willing to do it.”
“Some of the problems are already facing the Government. Those that require a faster solution, we can say that within a few more months, with the interaction that will be established with the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, we can really make progress, mainly in terms of access to public service, the cost often represented by access to public service,” said Patrice Trovoada.
The Prime Minister and four other ministers attended the closing of a three-day conference organized on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Sao Tome and Principe (ACASTEP), mentioning that the presence of members of the executive sought to demonstrate the determination to create a “much more inclusive society” .
On Monday, ACASTEP President Eugenia Neto asked the archipelago authorities to adjust the law for people with disabilities who claim conditions for healthcare, education, housing, transport and social inclusion.
Regarding the provision of “more adapted infrastructure”, namely the roads and sidewalks requested by ACASTEP, the Prime Minister acknowledged that “there may be a little more difficulty”, taking into account that “the country has many gaps in this aspect”.
“It is important that we begin to integrate all these aspects into our legislation, namely the rules regarding the construction of infrastructure,” said Patrice Trovoada.
The Prime Minister said that it is necessary to “work on what mechanisms of inclusion provide autonomy”, especially the possibility for the visually impaired to have an income.
On the other hand, the head of government of São Tomé recognized the possibility of leading some civil servants “in the sense of supporting the associations in carrying out their programs and tasks”, while still receiving wages paid by the state.
“There are a lot of people in our civil service, and a lot of people who sometimes do nothing. […] people who are paid by the state for doing nothing,” commented Patrice Trovoada.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister reacted to the information indicating a rise in blindness among the population in adolescence and adulthood, warning the Minister of Health to take action in response to the complaints of many people who “suffer from a lack of public attention.” health that stops problems more effectively when they are not yet in an irreversible phase.”
“If in Sao Tome and Principe the majority of the blind are not born blind, then from a public health point of view, we also have many shortcomings, especially what I always repeat, which is early diagnosis so that there is timely treatment later,” he said. . Patrice Trovoada.
The head of government also promised to work on the regulation of the basic law on persons with disabilities in Sao Tome and Principe, the law of which was adopted 11 years ago.
On Monday, Sao Tome President Carlos Vila Nova said that “inclusion involves protecting equal opportunities for all, recognizing the needs of the vulnerable and therefore promoting and protecting their rights.”
“Therefore, it is important to ensure that these people have decent access to education, healthcare, work and leisure. It is necessary that we give the right meaning to the concept of an inclusive society, that is, manifested in public policies and developed private programs. in order to reduce existing inequalities,” said Carlos Vila Nova.
“I am convinced that we can do much more to guarantee a better life for visually impaired people, and I reaffirm my commitment to social causes, especially the most vulnerable, because when we work together for an inclusive society, the consequences will be very positive,” added the President of Sao Tome.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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