Citizens with disabilities continue experiencing inequalities and barriers in enjoying their right to health both home and abroad. This was the key worrying finding of the research that the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hidrocephalus undertook in 2016 and presented this week at the European Parliament: "Right to health: reality of persons with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus", and "Impact of cross-border healthcare on persons with disabilities and chronic conditions".

The reports highlight that human rights of persons with disabilities and chronic conditions are routinely violated as they struggle to access appropriate and affordable disability-specific as well as general healthcare in their community.

Lack of multidisciplinary care for people with complex disabilities, such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus, limited coverage of mobility devices and continence aids, as well as waiting times have been named as the most serious barriers experienced by surveyed Europeans. Only close to 29% of respondents were satisfied with the care they received.

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