Sebastián León-Giraldo

This study seeks to explore the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing healthcare services in the Meta department during the Colombian armed conflict. Utilizing qualitative methods through focus groups, the research captures the experiences of those directly affected by both the conflict and disability. The findings highlight severe barriers in accessing medical services, exacerbated by the conflict and compounded by institutional neglect and infrastructural inadequacies.

The paper stresses the critical need for governmental intervention to facilitate better access to health services for disabled populations, particularly in conflict-affected areas. It calls for policies that not only address the unique vulnerabilities of disabled individuals but also ensure their inclusion in national health strategies. The research offers significant insights into the intersection of conflict, disability, and healthcare, underscoring an urgent call for reform to support some of Colombia’s most marginalized communities.