Soavinandriana Hospital Centre (Cenhsoa) is expanding for its 135th anniversary. The hospital has opened several new services, including one that has never existed in Madagascar. Madagascar is establishing its first dedicated service for treating age-related diseases. The military hospital has opened multiple new departments. Lieutenant Colonel Haingonirina Joëlle Horace, deputy technical director of Cenhsoa, mentions notably neurology and dermatology services, as well as physiotherapy, general medicine, and geriatrics. "Geriatrics was created to fill a proven gap in caring for elderly people, who previously had to turn to other services. Its opening became essential with the arrival of a geriatrician at the hospital," declared the hospital's director general, Major General Willy Ratovondrainy, also a professor, Friday, during a press conference celebrating the military hospital's 135th anniversary. This medical specialty is dedicated to treating multiple simultaneous diseases in the same patient, which are frequent in elderly people. "Many chronic diseases occur with age, namely cholesterol, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disorders. This requires particular expertise, as multiple diseases must be treated simultaneously," the professor explains. The geriatric unit at the military hospital has twenty-eight beds and is already operational. "This service cares for elderly patients at the hospital and supports the Armed Forces in caring for surviving veterans," the director general continues. This medical specialty is highly sought after abroad. The number of elderly people to care for is constantly rising with increased life expectancy. Madagascar has lower life expectancy at birth compared to developed countries. Life expectancy at birth is estimated at 67.64 years on average, according to results from the third general population and housing census, RGPH-3, in 2018, published by the National Statistics Institute (Instat). The country's longevity has increased by 6.2 years between 1999 and 2023, according to Madagascar's profile established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The military hospital has undertaken several projects as part of its 135th anniversary. Lieutenant Colonel Zo Zafitsara Andrianirina, president of the celebration committee, cites several projects. "The functional rehabilitation service will benefit from complete rehabilitation and will be equipped with new medical equipment. The project includes renovation of the heliport and construction of a sports complex within the hospital grounds. A rest house will be built in the hospital courtyard to accommodate companions and patients from distant areas. A breastfeeding center is also being set up to meet the needs of women and nursing mothers among healthcare staff. In May, hospital staff will travel to provide care to populations living in isolated and remote areas. An open house day will be organized to present to the public all available healthcare services and offerings," he explains. The official opening of the celebration is scheduled for August 19.