UCH names geriatric centre after Tony Anenih

Nigeria’s University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan has opened a modern Geriatric Diagnostic Centre for the elderly.

It was named after the chieftain of the ruling party, Chief Tony Anenih.

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, who declared the centre open on Saturday, said the place was specifically established to cater for the health care needs of the elderly.

Chukwu explained that the Geriatric Centre was aimed at promoting the health of the elderly by preventing and treating their diseases and disabilities.

“The University College Hospital is the first in the country to establish a Geriatric Centre,’’ he said.

Anenih expressed pleasure over the development, saying: “it is good news that more and more people are likely to live longer and longer.’’

Anenih, who is also a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain, said: “if the truth must be told, apart from a few exceptional cases, not much is being done in the country by way of planning for or thinking about the welfare and health of old people”.

“I appreciate the honour of naming the centre after me,’’ he said, adding: “I shall continue to support the centre.’’

Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion are the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Temitope Alonge, Prof. Dora Akunyili, former Minister of Information and former Senate Leader, Sen. Teslim Folarin.