Senior Citizens Government assistance: Health

Senior Citizens Government assistance: Health

1. The DOH, in coordination with local government units (LGUs), NGOs and POs for senior citizens, shall institute a national health program that shall incorporate the National Prevention of Blindness Program, and shall also provide an integrated health service for senior citizens.

It shall train community-based health workers including barangay health workers, among senior citizens and health personnel to specialize in geriatric care, gerontology, and health problems of senior citizens.

2. The National Health Program aims to promote healthy and productive older population through the following:

• Establishment and provision of a comprehensive and integrated health service package catering to the specific needs of the senior citizens;
• Human resource development/capability building of health personnel in relation to the care and health problems of senior citizens;
• Health promotion;
• Conduct of researches and study in geriatric care, gerontology, and health needs of senior citizens;
• In coordination with the municipal health worker, designate one (1) barangay health worker to attend to senior citizens’ health needs;
• The barangay, in coordination with local health office shall designate one day of every month specifically for medical attention of senior citizens;
• Establishment of senior citizens’ ward in every government hospital and in all levels of hospitals throughout the country; and
• Provision of accessible express lanes, or prioritization, in all health facilities.

3. Provide technical assistance in coordination with DSWD, NGOs and other concerned agencies to local government units in the establishment of community based health rehabilitation programs.