Government Initiatives: Enhancing Healthcare Access for the Elderly people

Photo:Representative Image

Forty-nine district hospitals have established geriatric wards in the past three months to cater to patients requiring specialized care. These hospitals have also introduced geriatric clinics for elderly patients seeking OPD services. In addition, separate arrangements have been made for elderly patients at registration counters, diagnostic testing counters, and medicine distribution centers in hospitals to ensure they receive treatment without waiting in long queues.

The geriatric clinics have been named 'Ramashray Clinic' and have been developed to make hospitals more elderly-friendly. The Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Shubhra Singh, has stated that geriatric wards have been established in all district hospitals, with 'Ramashray' being prepared and operational in 49 district hospitals briefly.

The Ramashray clinics have been designed to cater to the specific needs of elderly patients. Each clinic has ten Fowler beds, five reserved for men and five for women. Curtains have been installed between each bed to ensure privacy. Nursing alarm systems have also been installed near each bed to enable elderly patients to call for assistance in an emergency. Separate toilets have been provided for male and female patients, with grab bars installed in these toilets.

The Ramashray clinics have also made arrangements for physiotherapists and physiotherapy-related equipment. These include shortwave diathermy equipment, ultrasound therapy equipment, cervical traction equipment, pelvic traction equipment, trans-electric nerve stimulator equipment, wheelchairs, trolleys, medicine cabinets, and other necessary furniture. Forty-nine district hospitals have opened geriatric wards for patients requiring specialized care over the past three months.

Geriatric clinics have been arranged for OPD services to older adults in government districts and sub-district hospitals. Separate arrangements have been made for the elderly at registration counters, diagnostic testing counters, and medicine distribution centers in hospitals so that they do not have to stand in queues for long and can get treatment easily.