An appeal has gone to the Federal Government to establish a Geriatric Centre in Kogi State, so as to ensure total medical care for the elderly in the society.
A community physician and Kogi State Coordinator of the National Blood Transfusion Centre, Dr. Mathew Ibrahim made the call in Lokoja, during a free medical treatment for retired permanent secretaries and other aged persons in the state.
He pointed out that the establishment of a geriatric centre in Lokoja for the aged persons in the North Central zone would be most appropriate, in view of the ongoing medical clinic for aged people in the state.
He further commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the establishment of Geriatric Centres in the six geopolitical zones in the country, urging the federal government to give priority to Kogi State, which is already operating a clinic for the elderly persons.
Dr. Ibrahim explained that reports indicated by 2025, fifteen million Nigerians would become elderly persons, since all persons above the age of sixty years are classified in such group, according to developing nations.
He further identified lack of national policy on ageing and inadequate research as major challenges, and stressed the need for the federal government to work towards actualizing the set objective.
The community physician enjoined relevant stakeholders, Kogi State Government and other pressure groups to fight the course towards giving the elderly persons in the state, a sense of belonging.
According to Dr. Ibrahim, preventive health checks would enable the elderly persons enjoy longer lives through early detection and treatment of diseases, and advised the participants to embrace regular medical check up.
He equally emphasized the need for the older persons to minimize risk factors and enjoy their investments through the new initiative, the clinic for the aged persons holding at the Lokoja Specialist Hospital every Fridays.
He assured that the clinic would receive the attention of the Kogi State Government, maintaining that the proposed Geriatric Centre, when finally becomes a reality, would be of immense benefit to the people of the state, as well as the entire North Central zone.
