An Enugu-based NGO, the Daniel Ukwu Leadership Foundation, has advocated for a free and comprehensive healthcare for older persons nationwide.
By Stanley Nwanosike
An Enugu-based NGO, the Daniel Ukwu Leadership Foundation, on Monday, advocated for a free and comprehensive healthcare for older persons nationwide.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Mr Daniel Ukwu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of an event to mark the UN International Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Celebrated annually on June 15 around the globe, the UN International Elder Abuse Awareness Day is to focus global attention to the problems of physical, emotional and financial abuse of elders.
Ukwu, therefore, called for free and comprehensive healthcare package for older persons “so that they woukd age gracefully.”
He noted that older people visit health facilities more than the younger ones, and they continue to manage one form of health condition or the other with their meager finances.
He added that “most people enjoy free health facilities provided by either their employers or the government while they are young and working.
“You find out that since most young people do not frequently get sick, they do not take advantage of these health provisions.
“But as they retire and get older, they visit hospitals often and some come down with illnesses that they have to continue to manage when the health facilities are no longer available to them.
“So, when older persons need more resources to take care of their health needs, they are no longer entitled to the facilities and no provision is made for them.
“Our policy makers and those in government should provide free and comprehensive healthcare for older persons; make their burden less.”
Ukwu, however, called on the Enugu State Government to build old peoples’ homes in each of the 17 council areas of the state.
According to him, older persons that are abandoned and living inhuman conditions should be taken to such homes for proper care and welfare.
He said “most times, it is not that the older persons do not have children or relatives but all of them might be far from home.
“Hence, older persons need to be taken to well-managed homes for welfare, care and human companion that will keep them fit and healthy,’’ he added. (NAN)
