KUCHING: The "Geriatrik Komuniti (GeKo)" initiative, spearheaded by the Kota Samarahan Clinic, is set to offer substantial support and services to the elderly in Sarawak, enabling them to lead their daily lives effectively.
As reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit, Sarawak Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah shared that the GeKo initiative also ensures healthy, active, and productive ageing by empowering the elderly, their families, and the community at large in Sarawak.
"GeKo is the first national initiative to provide specialised geriatric care in the community through primary care by targeting vulnerability through early and targeted intervention.
"At the same time, GeKo also optimises the capacity of the elderly to maintain a reasonable level of independence," she said.
She made these remarks while speaking at the Elderly Home Chinese New Year 2024 Celebration Dinner organised by Sarawak Hun Nam Siang Tng on Monday evening. Also present were Tay Boon Sin, Chairman of Hun Nam Siang Tng, and May Loo, Founder and Chairman of the Love Books Association Kuching.
Fatimah mentioned that the GeKo initiative is preparing Sarawak to become an aged state by 2028.
The initiative also aims to help individuals maximise their efforts to take care of themselves independently for as long as possible.
"This is the main focus of our ministry to ensure that every elderly person can be independent without needing assistance from others for as long as possible.
"Therefore, we need to take care of our health, not only in terms of nutrition but also physical, mental, and emotional aspects," she added.