Concerns have been raised over the misuse of parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities at the South Goa District Hospital, Margao. The designated basement parking slots, meant exclusively for vehicles of persons with disabilities, are reportedly being occupied by hospital staff, medical professionals, and members of the general public without disabilities.
This recurring issue has caused considerable inconvenience to persons with disabilities, including patients and visitors, who are often unable to find accessible parking despite the hospital having allotted spaces for them. Such unauthorised use of reserved areas not only violates accessibility norms but also undermines the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
It has been urged that the hospital authorities issue strict instructions to ensure that these parking spaces are maintained exclusively for vehicles displaying valid disability identification or the Unique Disability ID (UDID). The appeal cites Sections 40 to 45 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandate accessibility in public infrastructure, including healthcare facilities.
Strict enforcement of these provisions is considered vital to uphold the independence and equal access rights of persons with disabilities, while also ensuring compliance with legal accessibility standards.
