Akwa Ibom: Over 500 elderly persons benefit from free medical outreach
No fewer than 500 elderly persons from the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom have benefited from free medical treatment organised by the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).
Dr Emem Omokaro, Director General of NSCC, stated that the outreach was conducted in collaboration with the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) to provide medical assistance to the elderly.
She explained that those receiving assistive devices had been assessed by UUTH consultants in various specialist areas.
“We are here in Akwa Ibom State because of our senior citizens, as we have been going around the country.
“Our aim is to attend to senior citizens in Akwa Ibom, support them with medical outreach and assistive devices to improve their quality of life, and provide guidance on managing chronic conditions.
“The assistive devices provided included wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, hearing aids, diabetes test kits, tripod walking sticks, commode chairs, walking frames, guide canes, and eye glasses, among others,” Omokaro said.
Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Emem Ibanga, emphasised the state government’s commitment to the welfare of elderly persons.
She highlighted initiatives like the Arise Elderly Care Initiative, which provided financial support to older residents.
Ibanga also mentioned the ongoing development of a senior citizens’ home in Ibiono Ibom, aimed at ensuring better care and support for the elderly in the state.
“The state government’s initiatives are a token of appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by senior citizens during their active years,” Ibanga said.
She also reaffirmed the government’s partnership with NSCC to enhance the general well-being of the elderly.
Dr John Ekem, the Commissioner for Health, encouraged senior citizens to take full advantage of the state’s well-equipped primary health centres for their medical needs.
The event’s highlights included the presentation of assistive devices, health talks, medical checkups, and goodwill messages for the elderly.
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