Adejoh Bilkisu
In honour of National Day of Older Persons, the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) teamed up with Gerocare Solutions and held a special medical outreach in Keffi, Nasarawa State on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
This initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of senior citizens, offered free healthcare services to elderly individuals aged 60 and above.
The outreach, which drew a large number of elderly participants, featured various health services such as medical check-ups, consultations, and the provision of essential medications.
NSCC also distributed assistive devices, including walkers, to enhance the mobility and independence of older persons facing physical challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Dr. Emem Omokaro, highlighted the importance of providing senior citizens with access to quality healthcare and social support.
Dr Omokaro reaffirmed the government’s dedication to uplifting the elderly, with a focus on promoting healthy ageing and ensuring their inclusion in national programs.
“Our collaboration with Gerocare Solutions exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that older persons receive the healthcare they deserve. This outreach goes beyond just marking National Senior Citizens Day, it is about making a tangible difference in the lives of our elderly population,” Dr. Omokaro stated.
NSCC Boss emphasized that NSCC is committed to integrating older persons into national development programs and working with state governments to provide care and support.
She also highlighted the NSCC’s partnership with universities specializing in geriatric care, which will enhance the availability of healthcare services for senior citizens.
Dr Omokaro also called on stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors, to prioritize the needs of older persons, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in their healthcare, social security, and overall well-being.
Also speaking, Dr. Ajibola Mareiyebu, Co-founder of Gerocare Solutions, expressed his organization’s dedication to providing continuous, preventive healthcare for the elderly.
Dr. Mareiyebu reiterated Gerocare’s commitment to filling a critical gap in elderly healthcare, particularly as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) no longer covers individuals over 65.
He highlighted Gerocare’s homecare services, which provide medical care in the comfort of seniors’ homes, ensuring they age with dignity.
He stressed the need for regular medical check-ups to catch health issues early, improving the quality of life for senior citizens.
“At Gerocare Solutions, our mission is to ensure that every elderly person, no matter where they are, can access quality healthcare.
Today’s outreach in partnership with NSCC shows our commitment to achieving this goal. Preventive care is key to helping our senior citizens live healthier and more dignified lives,” Dr. Mareiyebu said.
Gerocare’s team of healthcare professionals provided services such as blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screening, and general health assessments.
Dr. Mareiyebu thanked the NSCC for the collaboration and urged other partners to join in creating a robust healthcare system for Nigeria’s elderly.
The beneficiaries echoed their gratitude, noting that access to healthcare has been a challenge for them.
“The outreach allowed us to receive crucial medical attention and support.” They said
The outreach marked a significant step toward addressing the healthcare needs of Nigeria’s elderly population, with the NSCC pledging continued collaboration to improve the lives of senior citizens across the nation.
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