Kathmandu: The Asia-Pacific Geriatrics Conference began in Kathmandu on December 6, bringing together experts from more than 20 countries to discuss regional challenges and opportunities in elderly healthcare.
Inaugurating the event, Minister for Health and Population Dr. Sudha Sharma said that although Nepal has senior citizen–friendly policies, limited resources have restricted progress. She underscored the need to increase quotas for geriatricians and nurses to ensure adequate care for the ageing population.
“Although we are not an economically well-off nation, we have done our best to serve senior citizens,” Minister Sharma said.
Nepal is home to nearly three million senior citizens. However, according to geriatrician Dr. Ramesh Kandel, the number of specialists remains far below what is required. Nepal currently has 10 registered geriatricians, with only six actively practicing in the country.
Chair of the Geriatric Society of Nepal, Dr. Umesh Bogati, highlighted the importance of regional partnerships to strengthen geriatric healthcare systems across the Asia-Pacific region.
Organised by the Asia Pacific Geriatric Network, the conference has drawn medical specialists, gerontologists, researchers, and university professors from participating countries, including Nepal.
(RSS)
