27 May 2015 – Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population has established special geriatric care centres and departments to ensure the specific needs of older people are met. This week's results of an assessment of these facilities were released by the Ministry’s curative care sector and WHO.
The trend of ageing populations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and the world generally is compelling governments and decision-makers to become more innovative to meet changing health care needs.
In most countries, the proportion of people aged over 60 years is growing faster than any other age group, as a result of both longer life expectancy and declining fertility rates.
According to a report by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) the number of older people in Egypt in 2013 reached 6 461 078 persons, 7.8% of the total population.
The evaluation, conducted by a group of experts in the field of geriatric care, focused on infrastructure, training of staff and follow up of services. 10 centres and departments specialized in geriatric health care were included in the study sample. 14 model forms were designed to cover all aspects of medical service provided at the centres and departments.
Stakeholders, including the Ministry of Social Solidarity and academic institutions, met to discuss the results of the assessment and confirm their commitment to improving care for the ageing population.
The results of the evaluation are now being used by decision-makers to develop a comprehensive plan for development of geriatric health centres and departments aimed at improving the quality of life for older people. The plan will address infrastructure, equipment and human resource needs.