Lawmakers have urged the government to establish specialized courses at universities to train medical doctors, also known as geriatricians, who specialize in the treatment of older persons.
This call comes as they noted a severe shortage of geriatricians in the country, with only one documented geriatrician at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
MPs highlighted the pressing need for geriatricians due to the unique healthcare requirements of the elderly population. They emphasized that older individuals often suffer from loneliness, depression, and various illnesses that demand specialized medical attention.
During a parliamentary debate on the International Day for Older Persons, the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Elderly Affairs), Hon. Dominic Gidudu, confirmed that there was indeed a scarcity of geriatricians in the country. He also mentioned that plans were underway to introduce specialized courses for the treatment of older persons in universities.
Makerere University School of Public Health was mentioned as one institution that had initiated a postgraduate curriculum for a geriatrics course. The hope is that this course will help train a new generation of doctors capable of providing appropriate diagnoses and care for older individuals.
Some MPs proposed affirmative action for admission into geriatric medicine courses at universities and suggested that the Ministry of Health prioritize the recruitment of geriatric doctors.
MPs highlighted the increased risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension among the elderly, which often result in severe health issues. They also pointed out that older persons often face exclusion in their communities and property-related conflicts that lead to mental health issues, including depression.
In addition to the training of doctors, MPs recommended that village health teams (VHTs) should receive training and be deployed to provide palliative care for older persons. Furthermore, they suggested the creation of village clubs for elders to engage in activities like simple exercises, dances, and sports to combat depression and improve their overall well-being.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and National Guidance, highlighted the importance of training medical professionals to offer specialized treatment for the elderly, given the increase in life expectancy. He revealed that Cabinet had received a Bill on older persons and called on MPs to support it when it is presented.