Group urges support, free healthcare for senior citizens
Government has been urged to provide support, free healthcare and monthly stipends for elderly members of the society. This advice was given at an event to mark the International Day of Older Persons by Community of Sant’ egidio, a group committed to the uplifting of the downtrodden in the society. This was also the position of some aging persons at the programme.
They said it has become important that government across different levels pay attention to the plight of elderly people, as many are left to suffer because of lack of care from family members and the government.
One of the elderly women at the programme, Mrs. Teniola Adeyemi said that government should support them with monthly stipends for daily upkeeps.
This was also buttressed by another elderly person, Prophet Samson Olajide who demanded that government should provide them with free medical care, as many old people are dying just due to lack of access to healthcare.
Lagos Coordinator of Community of Sant’ egidio, Katherine Adebowale said: “We felt we should celebrate them using the United Nations day of older people. We have been looking out for a day to celebrate them as our friends that are elderly. It is so sad that we are in society that old people are neglected and abandoned. It is important that government understands that they are asset and heritage to the society; reason proper care should be given to them.
“Many of them are retired and some of them are on the streets begging or moving from one place to another begging to earn a living. It is actually where we picked some of them and form the ‘Long live the elderly forum’. They should have access to free medical care and monthly stipends, which is what most of them needs.”
Related
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.