Dr Adedoyin Ogunyemi, a renowned public health physician and senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, has called for the expansion of health insurance coverage for older adults in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of an age-friendly clinic at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Oregun, Ikeja, Ogunyemi highlighted the pressing need for improved medical support tailored to the unique challenges faced by the elderly.
Ogunyemi, who also serves as a co-principal investigator for the age-friendly clinic project, pointed out that chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are prevalent among older adults, who make up 11 percent of Lagos population.
“Chronic conditions cannot often be cured, making their management crucial,” she stated, underlining the necessity for specialized healthcare services.
The age-friendly clinic initiative, a collaborative effort with the Lagos State government and Northwestern University Institute for Global Health (USA), funded by Robert J. Harvey, aims to address these challenges.
She emphasized that many PHCs in Lagos are not adequately equipped to meet the specific needs of older adults, who often have mobility issues and require special attention.
“We need to expand the state health insurance scheme to cover more chronic conditions and medications for older adults,” Ogunyemi urged, noting that current insurance provisions are insufficient for the growing elderly population.
She called for support from NGOs to scale the initiative beyond the Oregun PHC.
During the event, Ogunyemi and her team shared findings from their assessment of 15 PHCs in Lagos, revealing significant gaps in facilities and training for elderly care.
According to WHO standards, essential infrastructure such as access ramps and spacious reception areas are lacking in many PHCs, and healthcare providers often have minimal experience in elderly care.
To address these issues, the team has trained staff at Oregun PHC on managing conditions commonly affecting older adults and created a comfortable space for them to engage in brain games, social activities, and physical exercise.
“Loneliness is a significant challenge for older adults, and we have provided traditional games and tents to promote social connection and brain health,” Ogunyemi explained.
Cecilia Mabogunje, Permanent Secretary of Health District VI, reiterated the Lagos State commitment to prioritizing the healthcare needs of the elderly.
She announced upgrades to PHCs to better serve those aged 60 and above and highlighted the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, which offers a special package for older adults.
The launch event also featured various health checks for diabetes and high blood pressure, ensuring that older adults present received immediate attention and care.
Mabogunje expressed optimism about the partnership with Northwestern University, noting its potential to provide specialized care for Lagos elderly population.
“The healthcare needs of older adults are evolving, and we must adapt our services to meet these needs effectively. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that our elderly population receives the care and support they deserve,” Mabogunje concluded.
