The Ugandan government has announced plans to establish a health support scheme for older persons to address the challenges they face in accessing healthcare services across the country. This move aims to provide specialized care and support to the elderly population, which is estimated to be around 2.3 million according to recent census data. The scheme will be complemented by the establishment of wellness centers where older persons can receive regular health checks and other preventive healthcare services.
The Minister of State for Elder Persons, Jacqueline Mbabazi, outlined the measures during the national celebrations to mark the International Day of Older Persons at State House, Entebbe. The celebrations were held under the theme, “Ageing with Dignity: Strengthening Care and Support Systems.” Mbabazi emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of older persons and ensuring they receive dignified care.
In addition to the health support scheme, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the training of more than 140 geriatricians within the next three years. These specialists will be deployed across all districts to provide specialized healthcare to older persons. Geriatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the healthcare and treatment of older adults, with particular attention to the unique medical needs associated with ageing.
The government also plans to establish legal support centers for older persons to help them access justice and protect their rights. This move aims to prevent exploitation, particularly in cases involving property and other forms of abuse. Mbabazi stated that measures are being developed to protect older persons from opportunists who seek to take advantage of their vulnerability and deprive them of their property.
President Museveni called for the development of a policy to safeguard older persons from threats to their wealth and strengthen social protection mechanisms for the elderly. He noted that older persons face threats from family members, undisciplined children, and opportunists who seek to exploit their advanced age to take away their property. Museveni urged the government to take firm action against those who exploit and deprive older persons of their wealth.
The government has existing initiatives aimed at supporting older persons, including the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE), the Parish Development Model, group enterprises, and representation of older persons at various levels of leadership. The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, cited these initiatives as key interventions aimed at improving household incomes and strengthening the economic wellbeing of older persons.
President Museveni defended the 10 percent allocation for older persons under the Parish Development Model, cautioning against any diversion of funds meant to support their economic empowerment. He promised to meet with older persons and pledged to ensure adequate financial appropriation for their needs as the population of older persons continues to grow. Museveni also advised elderly parents to adopt modern wealth-preservation and inheritance practices to safeguard family wealth for future generations.
Key points
- The Ugandan government plans to establish a health support scheme for older persons to address healthcare challenges.
- The government will train over 140 geriatricians to provide specialized healthcare to older persons.
- The government aims to establish legal support centers to protect the rights of older persons and prevent exploitation.
