By Brian Atuhura

The Minister of State for Elderly Affairs,Jacqueline Mbabazi,has assured older persons in Masindi District of Government's commitment to improving their access to healthcare and Social protection services,particularly in the management of non-communicable diseases.

Mbabazi said Government,through the Ministry of Health,had been engaged to ensure that Health Centre IIIs across the country receive medicines for managing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes,which commonly affect older persons.

She explained that stocking essential medicines at lower-level health facilities would enable older persons to access treatment closer to their communities,reducing the challenges associated with seeking healthcare.

The Minister also revealed that the proposal for a health insurance scheme for older persons had been presented to cabinet,expressing hope that an affordable healthcare financing arrangement would eventually be established to strengthen financial protection for the elderly.

Mbabazi made the remarks while officially opening an induction for older persons in Masindi District held at Country Inn Hotel in Masindi Town.

The engagement brought together leaders and representatives of older persons,officials from the National Council for Older Persons and local government leaders to discuss the structures,responsibilities,challenges and opportunities for improving services to the elderly.

Speaking at the same engagement,Masindi District Chairperson Patrick Wobusobozi appealed to the Minister to present a proposal before parliament seeking to reduce the eligibility age for the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment(SAGE)from 80 to at least 65 years.

Wobusobozi argued that lowering the age threshold would enable more older persons to benefit from the programme and improve their ability to meet basic needs.

He also called for the establishment of specialised clinics for older persons within health facilities,operating on designated days to address the unique healthcare needs of the elderly in a more organised and age-responsive manner.

Representing the Mayor of Masindi Municipality,Deputy Mayor Aisha Nakamya commended older persons for maintaining organised leadership structures,urging their leaders to use these platforms effectively to provide meaningful representation and services to their communities.

Presenting a report on the situation of older persons in the district,the Chairperson of the District Council for Older Persons,Kanaginagi Ateenyi,highlighted several challenges affecting the elderly.

These included limited affirmative action in accessing healthcare,lack of affordable health insurance,poor housing conditions,inadequate income-generating opportunities and delays in the payment of pensions and gratuity for retirees.

Kanaginagi called for strengthened collaboration among older persons' leadership structures,local governments,health service providers,central government agencies and development partners to address the challenges and ensure that older persons are included in development programmes and service delivery.

Scholastica Nasinyama,Programs Manager at the National Council for Older Persons,explained that the council provides a platform through which the needs,concerns,potential and abilities of older persons are communicated to Government and its agencies.

She said the council also monitors and evaluates how Government,Non-Government Organisations and the private sector respond to the needs of older persons in their planning and service delivery.

Nasinyama added that the council coordinates efforts between Government departments,service providers and older persons while mobilising resources from Government and development partners to support it's activities.

She further outlined the responsibilities of District and City Councils for Older Persons,including coordinating and monitoring the implementation of policies and programmes for older persons,advocating for the integration of services within districts,promoting national policies on older persons and submitting reports on the situation of the elderly.