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The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has intensified its efforts to cater to the healthcare needs of the elderly. The program aims to encompass preventive, curative, and rehabilitative aspects of geriatric care.
Key objectives of the NPHCE include providing comprehensive services to the elderly through a community-based primary healthcare approach, identifying health issues among the elderly for appropriate interventions, capacity building for healthcare professionals and caretakers, and ensuring referral services through district hospitals and regional medical institutions. The program also integrates with other health initiatives and departments for a holistic approach.
To address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the elderly population, the NPHCE has implemented various strategies:
- Community Awareness: Public awareness campaigns are conducted at various levels to sensitize communities about elderly healthcare, spanning from sub-centers to tertiary care hospitals.
- Enhanced Treatment Facilities: Efforts are made to expand screening and treatment facilities for chronic, terminal, and degenerative diseases. Beds in public hospitals are reserved for geriatric healthcare at district and regional levels.
- Rehabilitation and Referral Services: Rehabilitation units for physiotherapy and counseling cells are established at healthcare centers, starting from the Community Health Centers. Regular clinics and OPD sessions are conducted at district hospitals and Regional Geriatric Centers. Community health centers are designated as the first referral units for the elderly.
Additionally, the operational guidelines of NPHCE mandate training programs for healthcare providers catering to the elderly across various healthcare tiers, aiming to enhance support and access to healthcare infrastructure.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. SP Singh Baghel, highlighted these initiatives in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the program’s multifaceted approach to elderly healthcare.
