(MANILA BULLETIN)

With the Philippines estimated to have an aging population by 2030, Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. has stressed the need to establish hospitals especially catered to the elderly.

"I have long advocated for the establishment of a hospital that focuses on the care of the elderly because population data has shown an upward trend in the number of senior citizens,” Abante said in a statement.

An aging population refers to the increase in the percentage of those aged 60 years old and above in a given country.

The Commission on Population on Development (CPD) estimates that by 2030, the elder population of Filipinos would reach seven percent.

"The elderly have unique healthcare needs that require specialized care. It's very important that we have health facilities for our senior citizens all around the country, as traveling to Metro Manila to obtain quality geriatric care would be very taxing for them,” the veteran lawmaker said.

Abante, a longtime advocate for senior citizens' welfare, noted that the House of Representatives should prioritize the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 191 or the Geriatric Health Act in light of the CPD’s assessment.

The bill seeks to establish the National Center for Geriatric Health and Research Institute (NCGHRI) and create Regional Geriatric Specialty Centers in Department of Health-retained hospitals around the country.

The NCGHRI would offer a variety of health services specialized for the elderly which “shall be available in all government primary health facilities”.

This would include up-to-date geriatric training for professionals, postgraduates, academics, and allied healthcare providers, implementation of cutting-edge research studies on diseases related to old age, consultancy service and technical assistance in the setting of standards for geriatric wards in every tertiary level hospital, nursing home, and residential center, among other services.

Abante said the government should ensure the country’s health system is ready to provide specialized healthcare for the elderly as many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) plan to retire in the country after working abroad.