Kathmandu: The Asia-Pacific Geriatrics Conference commenced here today. Inaugurating the conference, Minister for Health and Population Dr. Sudha Sharma emphasized that while the country’s policies are senior citizen-friendly, limited resources have impeded significant advancements in their care.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Health Minister highlighted the necessity of increasing quotas for geriatricians and nurses to ensure adequate care for the aging population. “Although we are not an economically well-off nation, we have done our best to serve senior citizens,” Dr. Sharma stated. Nepal currently has a senior citizen population of approximately three million.
Geriatrician Dr. Ramesh Kandel pointed out the disparity between the number of geriatricians and the senior population, noting that Nepal has only 10 registered geriatricians, with just six actively practicing in the country. Geriatric Society of Nepal Chair Dr. Umesh Bogati underscored the importance of regional partnerships to bolster the health of senior citizens.
The conference, organized by the Asia Pacific Geriatric Network, is being attended by over 20 countries, including Nepal. Participants include medical specialists, gerontologists, researchers, and professors from various universities.