Dr. Adedoyin Ogunyemi, a public health physician and senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, has advocated for broader health insurance coverage for elderly residents in the state.
Ogunyemi, who serves as a co-principal investigator for the rollout of an age-friendly clinic, pointed out that chronic health conditions are prevalent among older adults, who make up 11 percent of the state’s population.
She made this announcement during the launch of the age-friendly clinic at the Primary Health Centre in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday.
This initiative, developed in conjunction with the Lagos State Government and Northwestern University’s Institute for Global Health in the United States, is supported by funding from Robert J. Harvey.
Dr. Ogunyemi stated, “We are formally launching the age-friendly clinic at Oregun PHC. Today marks the implementation of a project that began two years ago”.
She explained that Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state lack adequate resources to meet the specific needs of older individuals.
Older adults often face unique health concerns and have mobility restrictions, necessitating specialized care.
Given the prevalence of chronic conditions among this demographic, effective management is essential since many of these ailments are not curable.
This is why LASHMA was invited to our stakeholders’ meeting; with insurance coverage in place, older adults will not need to rely on out-of-pocket payments.
We are hopeful that the state health insurance program will broaden its scope to include more chronic illnesses, like medications for hypertension and diabetes.
Currently, insurance is accessible for elderly state residents who are considered vulnerable or lack financial resources, but this coverage should be expanded to encompass a greater number of older adults.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play a vital role since current funding has only enabled limited progress. The initiative has the potential to be extended beyond just this one facility.
We can also offer treatments and screenings specifically tailored for older adults, as the repercussions of inadequate treatment can be severe.
It is crucial to prioritize the needs of the elderly. Their population is projected to surpass current numbers in the next decade or so. Although older adults currently represent about 11 percent of our population, this figure is expected to double in the coming years. Without suitable facilities, this will impact everyone.
Initially, we reviewed 15 PHCs to evaluate whether healthcare workers received training in managing the health issues related to older adults.
According to WHO standards, we found significant gaps, including a lack of access ramps at PHC entrances, inadequately spacious reception areas with comfortable seating, and insufficient prioritization during consultations and laboratory services.
Overall, we discovered that existing facilities are average in addressing these concerns. Training for healthcare providers in elderly care is minimal, with some locations having inadequate infrastructure specifically designed for older adults.
In our research, we consulted with older individuals about the challenges they face when seeking healthcare, and many highlighted problems with prioritization as well as physical and financial barriers to access.
We also conducted a stakeholders’ meeting led by the Permanent Secretary of Health District VI, involving other directors and staff from Oregun PHC. From this engagement, we targeted one PHC to implement an intervention and invited older adults to discuss ways to enhance their access to care.
Several issues were pinpointed during that meeting and are currently being addressed. For instance, we have provided additional training for staff at Oregun PHC on managing common conditions affecting older adults, such as hypertension, diabetes, and memory loss.
While some conditions may surpass the capabilities of the PHC, this training will enable staff to better identify cases and refer them to appropriate hospitals.
An additional outcome from the meeting was the establishment of a welcoming space for older adults to encourage brain health, social interaction, and physical activity.
Combatting loneliness is a major concern for older adults, which is why we have introduced traditional games and tents at Oregun PHC.
This area allows them to participate in brain games and engage in physical activity. We view this as an ongoing effort and look forward to assessing its effectiveness.
Dr. Cecilia Mabogunje, the Permanent Secretary of Health District VI, revealed that the Lagos State Government is prioritizing the healthcare needs of the elderly.
She also mentioned that the government has upgraded PHCs to better serve the health requirements of individuals aged 60 and over.
In her address to senior citizens, Dr. Mabogunje noted, “Historically, older adults have received special care at health centres.
“Since the creation of the district, we have ensured that this care meets their specific needs. Many older adults have hypertension, diabetes, and other age-related conditions.
“We are closely examining these challenges and are establishing clinics that cater specifically to their needs, even outside normal clinic hours.
This partnership with Northwestern University, USA, is timely and valuable, providing specialized care for the elderly.
Lagos has conducted numerous outreach programs for older adults, including the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, which offers an elderly package. Registration for this scheme will grant access to most of these benefits.”
Free health screenings, such as diabetes and hypertension tests, were provided to the elderly attendees.
