Pakistan is confronting a growing healthcare emergency as its elderly population faces systemic neglect and inadequate medical support. With approximately 15.7 million citizens aged 60 and above, the country urgently needs to address the specific health requirements of its senior citizens.
The Silent Crisis in Geriatric Care
Medical experts and healthcare professionals are raising alarm bells about the absence of specialized care for Pakistan's aging population. Professor Dr. Abdul Gaffar Billoo, a renowned pediatrician and health advocate, emphasized the severity of the situation during recent discussions. He highlighted that elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions require comprehensive medical attention that current healthcare facilities simply cannot provide.
The statistics paint a concerning picture: nearly 16 million senior citizens constitute about 7% of Pakistan's total population, yet there are virtually no dedicated geriatric departments in public or private hospitals. This gap in healthcare infrastructure means elderly patients often receive fragmented care from multiple specialists without coordinated treatment plans.
Multiple Health Challenges Facing Senior Citizens
Elderly individuals in Pakistan commonly suffer from multiple simultaneous health issues that require integrated medical management. Common conditions include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and neurological disorders that often coexist and complicate treatment approaches.
Professor Billoo explained the complexity of treating elderly patients: "When an elderly person visits a cardiologist, they receive heart medication. When they see an endocrinologist, they get diabetes treatment. But nobody is looking at the patient holistically and considering how these different medications interact." This fragmented approach can lead to adverse drug interactions and suboptimal treatment outcomes.
Urgent Need for Policy Reforms and Specialized Training
Healthcare advocates are calling for immediate action at both policy and practical levels. They recommend establishing dedicated geriatric units in major hospitals and incorporating geriatric medicine into medical school curricula. The development of specialized training programs for healthcare professionals working with elderly patients is crucial for improving care quality.
Beyond medical treatment, experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive support systems that address the social, psychological, and economic aspects of aging. Many elderly individuals face isolation, financial insecurity, and limited mobility that significantly impact their overall well-being and health outcomes.
The growing elderly population represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Pakistan's healthcare system. By investing in geriatric care infrastructure and developing specialized medical expertise, the country can ensure dignified aging for its senior citizens while reducing the long-term burden on healthcare resources.
