“BETTER DIE AT HOME THAN HERE IN THIS HOSPITAL”: EXPLORING CHALLENGES OF WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES IN ACCESSING HEALTHCARE IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

This paper explores challenges faced by three Malaysian women with disabilities in accessing health care services. Framing the discussion from a human rights perspective, the authors start by analysing local, regional and international human rights instruments to identify existing legal framework for addressing the rights of disable women in accessing health care services.  The policy analysis is then followed with an unstructured discussion with three disabled female respondents. From the conversation, four main themes emerged. These themes are, firstly, environmental and structural barriers, secondly, process barriers, thirdly, attitudinal barriers and lastly, gender insensitivity. This paper concludes by highlighting recommendations made by the respondents to improve access for disabled women with regards to accessing local health care services. Here we explore issues and challenges faced by them with an aim of making health services inclusive for Malaysian women with disabilities.