Group laments dearth of geriatricians in Nigeria

The coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older People in Nigeria has expressed concern over the limited number of geriatricians in the country.

Ms May Ikokwu, Secretary-General of the coalition, said this in an interview in Abuja on Friday.

A geriatrician is a doctor who specialises in the care of older people and the diseases that affect them.

“The limited number of geriatricians in the country is a big challenge that has created a big gap in managing old people’s health.

“I think to a great extent, such gap is responsible for the high mortality rate of old people especially in the rural areas,” he said.

Ikokwu said that an increase in the number of geriatricians would guarantee improved healthcare for older people.

She emphasised the need for availability of geriatricians in health centres and community hospitals for quality and accessible healthcare delivery.

Ikokwu pointed out the importance of giving older people adequate medical attention especially at this time of coronavirus emergency.

According to her, research has it that older people are vulnerable to the virus.

“It is therefore important to take preventive measures by providing optimal medicare for senior citizens so that they would have chances of surviving the virus in the event of infection.”

She explained that such would engender unprecedented healthcare reach for older people at the grassroots.

Ikokwu, who called on government at all levels to rise up to the occasion, said older people were not being given adequate attention.

According to her, the attitude of the government to matters of older people especially their healthcare is not encouraging.

She, therefore, urged for a collective effort from the government and public for an improved healthcare system for older people.