By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), in collaboration with the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), has provided free medical treatment to no fewer than 500 elderly persons across Akwa Ibom State.

Beneficiaries of the outreach were drawn from all 31 Local Government Areas of the state and received medical care and assistive devices during the program held at the Primary Health Centre on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the NSCC, Dr. Emem Omokaro, said the initiative was aimed at improving the quality of life of senior citizens. She noted that UUTH consultants assessed beneficiaries to determine their needs for assistive devices, which included wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, diabetes test kits, tripod walking sticks, commode chairs, walking frames, guide canes, eyeglasses, and more.

“We are here in Akwa Ibom State as part of our nationwide outreach to support senior citizens through medical care and the provision of assistive devices. Our goal is to enhance their quality of life and help them manage chronic conditions effectively. For this outreach, we have targeted 500 older persons, with consultants available across various specialties,” Omokaro said.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the welfare of its elderly population. She highlighted the Arise Elderly Care Initiative, which has provided ₦50,000 in financial support to 600 elderly persons across all wards in the state over the past two years.

“We have also enrolled hundreds of senior citizens in our State Health Insurance Scheme, built Arise Compassionate Homes, and are currently developing a Senior Citizens’ Home in Ibiono Ibom LGA. These efforts reflect our appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by our senior citizens during their active years,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. John Ekem, urged elderly residents to utilize the state’s network of well-equipped primary healthcare centers. He encouraged them to enroll in the health insurance scheme introduced by the current administration to ensure continued access to affordable healthcare.

Other dignitaries at the event included Mrs. Mercy Eka, Coordinator of the ARISE Care Initiative for the Elderly; Mrs. Eno Ime Akpan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs; and Dr. Itawan James, Delivery Advisor of the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre.