Association Wants Sign Language Included In Medical Curriculum

The Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), Kwara Chapter, is calling for the integration of sign language into medical curriculum and the involvement of sign interpreters in Nigerian hospitals.

The president of ASLIN-Kwara, Ibrahim Owolabi, made the call during an interview with Newsmen in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Owolabi explained that the deaf community is at a disadvantage when it comes to health issues.

According to him, a communication barrier has always been the bane of people with hearing impairment as they are unable to effectively relate with medical practitioners.

He added that there is need for sign language interpreters across hospitals in the country at primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare system.

Also speaking with newsmen, Julius Olaolu, of the Centre for Supportive Services for the Deaf, University of Ilorin, added that there are issues of great condition where a patient who has hearing impairment cannot communicate with their care givers.

Olaolu alleged cases of misdiagnosis that has led to death of hearing impaired people, adding that as Nigerians, people with special needs also have rights to medical facilities.

He therefore advocated for the integration of sign language into medical curriculum too, adding that these will also help medical practitioners in their line of duty.