Plateau govt. administers free medicare for elderly

The Plateau Government has organised a free medical check for older persons across the 17 local government areas of the state, an official has said. The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Rufina Gurumyen, said this on Thursday in Jos. She said that this was part of government efforts to alleviate the […]

The Plateau Government has organised a free medical check for older persons across the 17 local government areas of the state, an official has said.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Rufina Gurumyen, said this on Thursday in Jos.

She said that this was part of government efforts to alleviate the financial burden of medical services and ensure their wellbeing.

According to her, 85 elders were also presented with welfare packages which include blankets, provisions and other items.

“The free medical check is also part of the State activities to mark the Day of the Older Persons celebrated annually on Oct. 1.

“With the theme ‘take a stand against ageism’ to ensure their well being and help them age gracefully’’.

She said the ministry had continued to raise awareness on various issues that affect the elderly through advocacy to promote the rights and welfare of the disadvantage and vulnerable sectors.

Gurumyen expressed concern that majority of the elders were not receiving the emotional care they require.

She said that this was because family members and friends do not help them out in some cases leading to their untimely deaths and health challenges.

Earlier, Mrs Regina Lalong, Wife of the state governor, said she recently conducted free medical services in IDP camps and donated food and household items worth N8 million for their wellbeing.

Mrs Lalong, represented by Mrs Felicia Yakzun, Senior Special Assistant on Women Affairs to the governor, said the plight of vulnerable persons had always being her priority.

She appealed to the society to always create enabling environment for them to age gracefully.

Dr Martin Azzuwut, Director Medical Services, state Ministry of Health, said that the welfare of the aged was determined by both their physical and social environment.

“ Determinants of the wellbeing of the aged include both the physical and social environment they live in.

“The social relations in the families and communities determines their wellbeing,

“Also when you have noise pollution, smoke and gutter, it triggers health challenges and make them more vulnerable to disease, sanitation is very important,’’ he said.

He cautioned the elderly against living sedentary lifestyle, saying it makes them more susceptible to cardio vascular diseases.

He said there should be a law against ageism where multi-sectoral action is taken to cater for the old and penalise defaulters.

The medical test conducted includes, sugar level, hepatitis, malaria parasite, blood pressure and urinalysis.