President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the training of more than 140 geriatricians over the next three years to strengthen specialised healthcare services for older persons across Uganda. This initiative aims to provide medical care tailored to the needs of older people. Geriatricians are medical doctors who specialise in the healthcare and treatment of older adults, with particular attention to conditions and health needs associated with ageing.
The specialists are expected to be deployed across all districts to address the healthcare needs of Uganda's older population, estimated at 2.3 million according to recent census data. The President issued the directive during national celebrations to mark the International Day of Older Persons at State House in Entebbe. The theme of the celebrations was “Ageing with Dignity: Strengthening Care and Support Systems.”
Museveni said training and deploying the specialists would help bridge gaps in healthcare services for older persons and enable them to access appropriate medical care closer to their communities. He also emphasised the need for a policy to protect older persons from threats to their property and strengthen social protection mechanisms for the elderly.
Older persons in Uganda face increasing threats from family members, undisciplined children, and opportunists seeking to exploit their age and vulnerability to take away their property. Museveni called for firm action against individuals who exploit older persons and deprive them of their wealth. He advised older persons to invest in productive assets such as land, livestock, and buildings, which can provide sustainable sources of income during old age.
The President's directive is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare services for older persons in Uganda. The training of geriatricians is expected to enhance the quality of care provided to older adults and address the unique health challenges they face. The deployment of these specialists will also help to reduce the burden on hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated annually on October 1 to raise awareness about the needs and challenges of older adults. In Uganda, the day was marked with celebrations at State House in Entebbe, where President Museveni issued the directive to train more geriatricians. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare workers, and representatives of older persons' organisations.
The training of 140 geriatricians over the next three years is a significant step towards strengthening healthcare services for older persons in Uganda. The initiative is expected to improve the quality of life for older adults and enhance their access to medical care. Three key points from the President's directive are:
Key points
- The training of 140 geriatricians over three years to improve healthcare services for older persons.
- The deployment of specialists across all districts to address the healthcare needs of Uganda's 2.3 million older persons.
- The need for a policy to protect older persons from threats to their property and strengthen social protection mechanisms for the elderly.
