Juliet Jacob Ochenje
The Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Kachollom Daju, has called for urgent measures to address the healthcare needs of older persons in the country.
Mrs. Daju made the call in Abuja at the National Summit on Healthy Ageing with the themed: “Decade of Healthy Ageing in Nigeria: Situation, Challenges and Transformative Pathway.”.
According to Mrs. Daju, older persons face unique health challenges that require special attention from healthcare providers. She explained that the government has set up a national committee to address issues faced by the elderly.
She said: “Several studies assessing the Nigeria health system including the current global COVID-19 pandemic has further revealed a need for strengthening health systems at all levels to be responsive to older people. The elderly has a lot to contribute to the society and economy of any nation if they are empowered and supported.
“Unfortunately, the current health situation in Nigeria is not conducive for the elderly. We are faced with low government budgetary allocation, poor consultation and lack of skilled healthcare workers to cater for the elderly. The government allocates only five per cent of its budget to health in 2021 compared to the 15 per cent that was declared at the Abuja declaration 2001,” she added.
