Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (ES/CEO) of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Rolegherighan Agala, has reaffirmed that the Nigerian government places high priority on the health and well-being of the elderly population through various legislative and healthcare interventions.
Speaking during a live broadcast on Grace Impact Radio, in commemoration of the National Day for Older Persons (celebrated annually on October 5), Dr. Agala emphasized that the inclusion of the elderly under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensure free, quality healthcare for senior citizens across all states of the federation.
She noted that the BHCPF, which is currently operational nationwide, provides financial risk protection for vulnerable groups, including the elderly. This initiative, she said, is a clear reflection of the government’s prioritization of equitable and accessible healthcare for all.
Dr. Agala noted the role of the Rivers State Government in the implementation of the fund, particularly in ensuring to that elderly persons receive the healthcare they deserve.
Responding to a caller, who emphasized the need for meaningful engagement of active older persons, Dr. Agala explained that in Rivers State, retired healthcare professionals are often re-engaged to contribute their expertise, stay active, and remain socially and professionally involved.
She also encouraged the general public to begin preparing for old age early by adopting preventive health practices and securing health insurance coverage to manage age-related health conditions.
“Out of the over 110,000 individuals currently enrolled in the Rivers State Health Insurance Scheme, about 30% are aged 60 and above”, she disclosed.
She called for full implementation of the National Policy on Ageing and increased government funding for elderly care homes, many of which are currently operated by faith-based and non-governmental organizations.
Joining the conversation from Ebonyi State, gerontologist, social worker, and behavioural scientist, Mazi Otti Nwaka, advocated for a cultural and societal shift in how Nigerians perceive elderly care.
He called for the establishment and proper utilization of nursing homes for older persons.
Nwaka explained that due to strong attachment to traditional beliefs and ancestral homes, many elderly individuals are reluctant to move into care facilities, even when their living conditions are no longer adequate for their health needs.
He also noted that elderly Nigerians are especially vulnerable to chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and others.
He, therefore, urged governments at all levels to invest in professionally run nursing homes, modeled after global best practices.
As part of activities marking the National Day for Older Persons, Dr. Juliet Aleme of RIVCHPP visited the Elderly Care Unit at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Alakahia, to commemorate the event and show support for the elderly community.
- Oruigini is the Information officer, RIVCHPP.