The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), in collaboration with the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, has organised a free medical outreach for persons aged 60 and above in Jos.
The outreach, held to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Older Persons, featured free medical consultations, health talks, eye and ear examinations, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, general health screening and provision of basic medications.
The programme was held on October 2, a day after the official International Day of Older Persons, which is observed globally every October 1.
The 2026 celebration is themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
Speaking during the event, Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, represented by the Director of Medical Services, Dr Stephen Bishmang, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the health system and ensuring access to healthcare regardless of age, status or circumstance.
Bishmang commended MWAN and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital for organising the outreach, noting that collaboration between government, healthcare professionals and civil society organisations could help improve healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of older persons.
State President of MWAN, Sekyen Sana, said the initiative was aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of older persons and helping them live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
She noted that ageing is a natural process and should not necessarily be associated with sickness, stress or emotional difficulties.
Sana said MWAN wants older persons to remain healthy, happy and able to enjoy their lives while encouraging them to pay greater attention to their health.
The Chief Medical Director of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Professor Christopher Yilgwan, represented by Barnabas Saidu, welcomed the beneficiaries and encouraged them to take advantage of available healthcare services.
He also urged retirees and older persons who had not been enrolled in the state health insurance programme to make enquiries and register so they could access available medical services.
Saidu stressed the importance of regular health checks, noting that medical conditions can be identified and treated more effectively when detected early.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Dr Shainan Andrew, pledged continued collaboration with MWAN and other stakeholders to expand healthcare interventions for older persons.
Andrew encouraged the beneficiaries to seek medical advice, ask questions about their health and take advantage of available healthcare services.
One of the beneficiaries, Da Samuel Davou, expressed appreciation to the organisers for providing the free medical services.
The organisers appealed to government agencies, non-governmental organisations, companies and other stakeholders to support similar initiatives to enable more older persons to access healthcare and enjoy healthier lives.
