Govt to direct for specific dosage for the aged

—Government will soon issue a directive to pharmaceuticals to come up with specific dosages for the aged.

 

Speaking during the launch of the Agape Senior Citizens Association at Garden House Hotel in Lusaka today, Health Deputy Minister, Patrick Chikusu, said it is wrong for elderly people to be taking dosages prescribed for adults, as their metabolic system functions differently due to age.

 

Dr Chikusu said the aged need specific dosages to avoid intoxication.

Meanwhile, Dr Chikusu has directed all public health facilities to make clear visible posters explaining that senior citizens aged 65 years and above are exempted from any form of medical fees and should have their own separate queues for attention.

 

He stated that the aged have peculiar reactive medical problems due to changes taking place in their bodies because of age, hence the need to ensure they have access to proper health care.

 

And Dr Chikusu has disclosed that the Sondashi Formula will soon be undergoing phase one clinical trials.

 

He said scientific review is currently being done on the HIV/AIDS formula and is expected to be concluded by next month, after which government will recruit staff for the trials.

 

The Sondashi formula is a drug said to be effective for the treatment of HIV and AIDS.