More than 151,707 citizens over the age of 65 have received medical services as part of the 'Continuous Health Care for the Elderly' programme since its launch in October, Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population announced on Sunday. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, said that the programme aims to improve the health of citizens over the age of 65. He explained that the programme prioritises the early detection of the most common health problems of this age group and that its first phase covers 401 medical centres across 21 governorates. Furthermore, Head of the Healthcare and Nursing Sector Wael Abdel Razek noted that the package of medical services provided to the elderly includes the detection of non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart complications, kidney diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and malnutrition (anaemia, obesity), in addition to a psychological and nutritional assessment. Abdel Razek added that the programme provides general clinical examination services; body mass index calculation; visual, oral, and dental examinations; electrocardiograms; ultrasounds of the abdomen and pelvis; as well as blood tests. He further noted that the programme provides health education and psychological support services to enhance the health of the elderly and raise awareness for their health problems and how to prevent them. It also includes providing nutritional advice in terms of eating meals at specific times and the balanced nutritional content necessary to remain healthy. Within the programme, patients are given a periodic follow-up card for their health status and are allowed two annual visits. Patients are also referred to hospitals in the event they need more advanced medical interventions.
