KATHMANDU, Dec 6: The Asia-Pacific Geriatrics Conference commenced here today.
Inaugurating the Conference, Minister for Health and Population Dr Sudha Sharma said that although the country's policies are senior citizen-friendly, limited resources have prevented much from being done for them.
The Health Minister stressed the need to add more quotas for the geriatricians and nurses to provide adequate care to senior citizens.
"Although we are not an economically well-off nation, we have done our best to serve senior citizens," the Minister said.
The total population of senior citizens in Nepal is around three million.
Geriatrician Dr Ramesh Kandel said the number of geriatricians is insufficient relative to the population. At present, Nepal has 10 registered geriatricians, of whom only six are currently practicing in the country.
Geriatric Society of Nepal Chair Dr Umesh Bogati echoed the need for regional partnerships to strengthen the health of senior citizens.
The Conference organised by the Asia Pacific Geriatric Network is being attended by over 20 countries, including Nepal. Participants include medical specialists, gerontologists, researchers, and professors from different universities.