HO: Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), emphasized the urgent need to tailor the national healthcare system to the specific needs of older individuals, advocating for an age-friendly environment that enhances their quality of life.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof. Aziato highlighted the challenges faced by the elderly, including high costs, limited access to medication, transportation difficulties, and age discrimination during her speech at the 10th-anniversary celebration of the retired nurses, midwives, and physician assistants Club-Ho in the Volta Region. She pointed out that while the population of older persons is increasing, the support systems for social and healthcare services tailored to their needs have not seen a corresponding growth.
Prof. Aziato stressed the impact of a country’s physical and socioeconomic environment on the health of its elderly citizens and underscored the importance of creating recreational centers specificall
y for them. She also celebrated the invaluable role of the elderly in society, noting their contribution as keepers of knowledge and cultural values, and their ability to guide the younger generations.
During the event, Mr. Siegfried Kwasi Sakyi, Chairman of the Club, provided insights into the growth and objectives of the group. Starting with 19 members in Ho, the Club has now expanded to include branches in Keta, Adidome, and Mafi-Kumas, with a current membership of 190 active individuals. Since its inauguration on June 9, 2015, the Club’s mission has been to unite retired caregivers, fostering a spirit of love and unity, improving interpersonal relationships, assisting members facing financial hardships, and collaborating with other bodies to enhance the practice of nursing, midwifery, and medical care both in Ghana and abroad.