Blessing Douglas, Port Harcourt
The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has sensitised and given free medication to the aged at the Home of the Elderly in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The Capoon of the Olympus Marino Deck, NAS, Kennedy Barango, said the gesture was in commemoration of the World Diabetes Day.
Stressing the need to care for the elderly who have contributed immensely in the society, the organisation urged the government at all levels to promote a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for the aged people.
According to Barango “We acknowledge the challenges encounter by the aged, the senior citizens of the country and we understand that this demographics in our society are more discriminated against, especially when it concerns Insurance covers.
“Many Insurance companies are weary of providing cover for these demographic in the society. So, part of our commitment in this course, is that we will be conducting an enlightenment campaign and providing essential test at this home”.
He explained “This initiative is to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by senior citizens in managing diabetes, assessing quality insurance cover, especially those with low income bracket as well as promoting a more inclusive of supportive healthcare environment.
“The campaign underscores the need for collaboration between government bodies, healthcare providers and the community to create sustainable solutions that carter to the specific needs of our elderly population.
“At the moment test are ongoing, we also came with medication for those who have a history. We shall carry on with this engagement in collaboration with St Patricks Hospital, the consultants will be here to give a small talk, perhaps will make some referrals to the hospital for those who require for diagnosis”, Barango added.
A representative of St Patricks Hospital, Dr E. Faye Korubo, who spoke at the free medical outreach, noted that NAS has shown souch concern for the society, including advocacy, strengthening the less privileged and trying to bridge the gap where cannot reach.
He said “The essence is to come here to the elderly for today and talk about their health. Although we will pay more attention to diabetes but we are actually looking at their health. As you can see, blood pressure check is ongoing, I am about to see w woman that had a stroke.
“Basically, we are here to give back and to bring attention to people that our elderly people are here and they require our care and attention.”
Dr Korubo also advised to include the elderly in the next year’s “Government should put an eye in the cure of our elderly but we all have role to play. But we can remind government that in the next year budget they should properly budget for the elderly and I think we should have achieved something”.
