MoHP: 401 Medical Units to Provide Care for Elderly in 21 Governorates

The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) confirmed the regularity of work in continuing healthcare for the elderly, since the launching of the program on the first of last October until today.

Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the MoHP, indicated that the program aims to improve the quality of healthy life for the elderly over 65, through early detection of the most common health problems in this age group.

Abdel Ghaffar pointed out that 401 units and medical centers have been distributed across all health departments in 21 governorates as a first stage.

He explained that the package of medical services provided to the elderly includes detection of non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, kidney disease, digestive diseases, and malnutrition (anemia, obesity), in addition to psychological and nutritional assessment.

Abdel Ghaffar added that the program provides general clinical examination services, body mass index calculation, and vision, oral and dental examination, in addition to tests (measuring hemoglobin, lipids, cholesterol, kidney function, and random blood sugar test).

It provides also conducting electrocardiograms and ultrasounds on Abdomen and pelvis. He stresses that the program includes providing health education and psychological support services.

This will enhance the health of the elderly, and raise awareness of health problems for the elderly and how to prevent them.

The program also provides nutritional advice in terms of meal times and the balance nutritional content necessary for the health state.

He said the patients have a health card, for periodic follow-up of the health state, mainly 2 annual visits.

He pointed out that patients will go to hospitals in case of need for advanced medical, noting that the coordination between the "Continuing Healthcare for Elderly" program and "100 Million Seha" initiative for their access to all necessary medical services within initiatives.

Contributed by Israa farhan