No fewer than 500 elderly persons from the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom have benefitted from free medical treatment organised by the National Senior Citizens Centre.

The medical outreach was held on Friday at the Primary Health Centre, Barracks Road, in Uyo.

The director general of NSCC, Emem Omokaro, stated that the outreach was conducted in collaboration with the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital to provide medical assistance to the elderly.

She explained that UUTH consultants in various specialist areas had assessed those receiving assistive devices.

“We are here in Akwa Ibom state because of our senior citizens, as we have been going around the country. Our aim is to attend to senior citizens in Akwa Ibom, support them with medical outreach and assistive devices to improve their quality of life, and provide guidance on managing chronic conditions.

“The assistive devices provided included wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, hearing aids, diabetes test kits, tripod walking sticks, commode chairs, walking frames, guide canes, and eyeglasses, among others,” Ms Omokaro said.

Akwa Ibom’s commissioner for humanitarian affairs, Emem Ibanga, emphasised the state government’s commitment to the welfare of elderly persons.

She highlighted initiatives like the Arise Elderly Care Initiative, which provided financial support to older residents.

Ms Ibanga also mentioned the ongoing development of a senior citizens’ home in Ibiono Ibom, aimed at ensuring better care and support for the elderly in the state.

“The state government’s initiatives are a token of appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by senior citizens during their active years,” Ms Ibanga said.

She also reaffirmed the government’s partnership with NSCC to enhance the general well-being of the elderly.

The commissioner for health, John Ekem, encouraged senior citizens to take full advantage of the state’s well-equipped primary health centres for their medical needs.

The event’s highlights included the presentation of assistive devices, health talks, medical checkups, and goodwill messages for the elderly.

(NAN)