EXPERTISE: Needed to address nation's ageing population
KOTA KINABALU: THE Health Ministry is producing more geriatricians to address the growing ageing population.
Queen Elizabeth I hospital director Dr Heric Corray said there were only 19 medical specialists in the country, including one in Sabah, to provide care for the elderly.
"About eight per cent of the population are those aged 60 and above, and the number is expected to double by 2030.
"The health care system needs more trained health personnel, including nurses and others, to provide holistic care for this group who had contributed a lot to society," he said during the hospital's geriatric unit open day here yesterday.
The ministry is funding two doctors in the country in a year to complete a three-year gerontology specialisation course.
Nurses undergo six months of study in a similar course.
The hospital's geriatric unit head, Dr Richard Ng, the state's first geriatrician, said senior citizens required different medical approaches compared with other age group patients.
"A comprehensive check-up is required to identify problems, including confusion, immobility, incontinence, difficulty to eat, among others.
"The scope of caring for the elderly is not limited to treating diseases only, such as lung infection, heart problems and diabetes."
Dr Ng said he hoped the community would use the newly-opened geriatric unit, which comprises an eight-bed ward and clinics providing treatment for fall incidences, memory loss and rehabilitation.
Similar services have been extended to Kuala Penyu District Hospital and soon to Beaufort Hospital.
Also present was the hospital's Medical Department head, Datuk Dr Jayaram Menon.
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