Varanasi: About a hundred patients visit the geriatric OPD at Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), BHU every day. Around 13 to 14% of patients visiting other OPDs there are above 60 years of age, claims BHU.
The geriatric medicine department of IMS has been given the status of Regional Geriatric Centre under the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
In view of the PM’s seriousness for development in his parliamentary constituency, the proposal of establishment of National Centre of Aging in BHU under the NPHCE has been approved by the ministry. The ministry has also approved the proposal sent by the department in 2021 to upgrade the department to a 200-bed National Aging Centre on the lines of AIIMS.
HoD and nodal officer of Regional Geriatric Centre Prof Anup Singh said the Sir Sunderlal Hospital of BHU provides healthcare to a large population of about 20 crores covering eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, northern part of Chhattisgarh and southern part of Nepal. He said the geriatric department at IMS-BHU, established five years ago, is the first department in Uttar Pradesh where MD Geriatrics is taught and the first college in the country which provides fellowship in Geriatric Rheumatology.
“With age, many diseases like weakness, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and kidney ailment, weakening of bones and amnesia start affecting the body. Such diseases in old age make it more complicated. In such a situation, it becomes very important to anticipate the symptoms of the disease. There is a need to strengthen and provide separate medical facilities for the elderly,” said Prof Singh.
He said care for the elderly is an important part of ancient Indian culture and it is a firm resolve of the Prime Minister to develop medical services for them. “In today’s era, there are very few elderly people who are financially independent. In such a situation, there is a need to implement such policies so that the elderly can become financially self-reliant,” Prof Singh added.
We also published the following articles recently
The geriatric medicine department of IMS has been given the status of Regional Geriatric Centre under the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
In view of the PM’s seriousness for development in his parliamentary constituency, the proposal of establishment of National Centre of Aging in BHU under the NPHCE has been approved by the ministry. The ministry has also approved the proposal sent by the department in 2021 to upgrade the department to a 200-bed National Aging Centre on the lines of AIIMS.
HoD and nodal officer of Regional Geriatric Centre Prof Anup Singh said the Sir Sunderlal Hospital of BHU provides healthcare to a large population of about 20 crores covering eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, northern part of Chhattisgarh and southern part of Nepal. He said the geriatric department at IMS-BHU, established five years ago, is the first department in Uttar Pradesh where MD Geriatrics is taught and the first college in the country which provides fellowship in Geriatric Rheumatology.
“With age, many diseases like weakness, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and kidney ailment, weakening of bones and amnesia start affecting the body. Such diseases in old age make it more complicated. In such a situation, it becomes very important to anticipate the symptoms of the disease. There is a need to strengthen and provide separate medical facilities for the elderly,” said Prof Singh.
He said care for the elderly is an important part of ancient Indian culture and it is a firm resolve of the Prime Minister to develop medical services for them. “In today’s era, there are very few elderly people who are financially independent. In such a situation, there is a need to implement such policies so that the elderly can become financially self-reliant,” Prof Singh added.
We also published the following articles recently
World Elderly Day: India is aging rapidly
India’s elderly population is growing rapidly and is set to exceed the young population by 2050, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund. The number of older women compared to older men will progressively increase, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly across states. India needs to address the rapid aging population, as the working-age population declines. The country is implementing government schemes and creating work profiles for the elderly, but there are concerns about the infrastructure and living arrangements for the growing elderly population.
India’s elderly population is growing rapidly and is set to exceed the young population by 2050, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund. The number of older women compared to older men will progressively increase, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly across states. India needs to address the rapid aging population, as the working-age population declines. The country is implementing government schemes and creating work profiles for the elderly, but there are concerns about the infrastructure and living arrangements for the growing elderly population.
India ageing report 2023 unveils insights into elderly care challenges and solutions
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) have released the “India Ageing Report 2023.” The report examines the challenges and opportunities of elderly care in India as the country experiences a demographic shift towards an ageing population. It provides an analysis of living conditions and well-being of older individuals in India, using data from various sources. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of the elderly population and offers recommendations for better care and support.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) have released the “India Ageing Report 2023.” The report examines the challenges and opportunities of elderly care in India as the country experiences a demographic shift towards an ageing population. It provides an analysis of living conditions and well-being of older individuals in India, using data from various sources. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of the elderly population and offers recommendations for better care and support.
As Kerala ages ahead of other states, elderly care a major worry
Kerala is projected to have a higher percentage of senior citizens in its population compared to the national average by 2036, according to the UN Fund for Population Activities. The state will also face a ‘feminization of aging’ as women have a longer life expectancy than men. The report calls for prioritization of programs and policies for a healthier life, especially for those aged 75 and above. Kerala’s social security system is stronger than other states and could potentially offer a universal social pension. However, there are concerns regarding the economic situation and healthcare access for the elderly.
Kerala is projected to have a higher percentage of senior citizens in its population compared to the national average by 2036, according to the UN Fund for Population Activities. The state will also face a ‘feminization of aging’ as women have a longer life expectancy than men. The report calls for prioritization of programs and policies for a healthier life, especially for those aged 75 and above. Kerala’s social security system is stronger than other states and could potentially offer a universal social pension. However, there are concerns regarding the economic situation and healthcare access for the elderly.
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