Elders complain of poor HIV/Aids services in hospitals

By JANE CHEROTICH

Elders in Busia are getting a raw deal in HIV counselling and testing due to poor policies.

The Western Elders Council says the senior citizens are discriminated against whenever they seek HIV/Aids testing in hospitals.

 Speaking in Busia town yesterday, the Council Secretary General Japheth Barua said doctors do not understand that the elders may have contracted the disease, especially between the ages of 45 and 55.

At the same time, former Nambale MP Philip Masinde appealed to the Government to employ more doctors to cope with the rising number of people who seek medical attention in public hospitals.

‘‘Hospitals should be equipped with drugs since many families in this county are poor and cannot afford drugs,’’ Masinde said.

Mr Barua, however, said the elders  have sent recommendations to the Government  to have retired medical practitioners absorbed in hospitals to help guide and counsel  elders  who go for HIV testing  and check-ups.