The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria has called for urgent policy and service reforms “to address growing healthcare needs of older persons in Nigeria”.

The association’s national president, Ibrahim Oreagba, made the call at a news conference held at the end of the 27th National Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Ilorin.

He explained that geriatric healthcare is specialised care for people aged 60 and above to address multiple age-related health issues, including chronic diseases, mental health, rehabilitation and end-of-life support.

“It also focuses on healthy ageing, dignity and social-spiritual needs to help older adults live independently with quality of life,” he said.

Mr Oreagba added that the conference identified geriatric healthcare as one of the most overlooked areas in the Nigerian health system.

“Participants noted that Nigeria’s ageing population requires more deliberate attention to healthy ageing, management of chronic diseases, rehabilitation, cognitive health, palliative care and social support.

“Geriatric healthcare remains an overlooked area within the Nigerian healthcare system.

The increasing population of older persons requires more deliberate attention to dignity, spirituality, caregiver needs and end-of-life care,” he said.

According to him, the conference resolved that health institutions should strengthen age-friendly primary and specialist care, expand caregiver support programmes and integrate spiritually sensitive services for older persons.

He therefore urged the government to support research and implementation on ageing, in line with Islamic values of compassion and preservation of human dignity.

Mr Oreagba explained that earlier, IMAN had provided free medical and surgical services to 1,811 people across Kwara as part of its community outreach.

“Other highlights included symposia on healthcare chaplaincy, women’s health, insecurity and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in medicine,” he said.

He disclosed that a pharmacist, Muhammad Audi-Kongila, was elected national president of IMAN for the 2026 to 2029 tenure.

(NAN)