By KT Reporter
Sections of older persons in the Greater Nebbi districts—Nebbi, Pakwach, and Zombo—are advocating for separate treatment rooms in public health facilities to cater to their unique needs. They say dedicated treatment spaces would offer privacy, comfort, and dignity, helping to address health conditions specific to aging, as well as mitigating challenges such as delayed attention and negative attitudes from health workers.
The concerns were raised during a consultation meeting with the Member of Parliament for Older Persons representing Northern Uganda, Catherine Akumu Mavejjina, who is seeking endorsement as the NRM flag bearer for a second term. Quirins Opio Piwang, an elder from Pakwach District, said older persons deserve specialized spaces equipped with features such as adjustable beds and comfortable seating to cater to their physical needs.
“Older persons are more sensitive to privacy, especially during examinations or other health-related procedures,” said Piwang. “And the challenge is that older persons spend longer periods waiting to be treated. This must be addressed.”
He added that the elderly are often given less attention and, in some cases, harassed by medical personnel, making many reluctant to seek healthcare even when necessary. However, Emmanuel Onapa, the Medical Superintendent of Nebbi Hospital, defended current practices. He noted that while there’s no deliberate discrimination, medical staff are guided by the severity of a patient’s condition, not age.
“The older person who is 80 years old and very sick is screened out and put under a separate treatment arrangement,” Onapa said. “But it’s a hard decision to prioritize an elderly person who is not badly off over a 10-year-old child in critical condition. It wouldn’t make sense.”
MP Catherine Akumu acknowledged the health access challenges facing the elderly and reiterated her commitment to lobbying for more comprehensive health coverage. “We are lobbying for a health insurance package from the Ministry of Gender and the Ministry of Health,” she said. “Older persons are prone to numerous health risks that need to be addressed under a special arrangement.”
Kissa Alworonga, Vice Chairperson for Older Persons in Nebbi District, called for the lowering of the qualifying age for the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) from 80 to 75 years.“ The elderly persons in the 65–70 age bracket are extremely vulnerable and often unable to feed themselves due to financial gaps,” Alworonga said. “While SAGE is meant to support vulnerable older persons, many of the most needy in their 70s are excluded.”
He added that apart from health challenges, older persons also face persistent financial burdens that must be taken into account when designing welfare programs-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
