Saturday, December 21

New Delhi: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced several initiatives to address the specific healthcare needs of senior citizens. These programs aim to make healthcare services accessible, affordable, and specialized, encompassing preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care. The goal is to provide comprehensive healthcare at all levels, from primary to tertiary care, ensuring the well-being of elderly citizens.

The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) is a major initiative focused on enhancing healthcare services for senior citizens in India. It is designed to establish a comprehensive healthcare framework tailored to the needs of the aging population.

Additionally, the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is another significant program benefiting senior citizens, especially those aged 70 years and above.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, addressed questions from Shri Jose K. Mani during a Rajya Sabha session. He was asked about initiatives to improve healthcare access for senior citizens, the details of programs providing free or subsidized healthcare under the NPHCE, and provisions for home-based care in remote areas.

The Minister stated that the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), launched in 2010-11, ensures a dedicated and comprehensive healthcare setup for the elderly. This program addresses the preventive, curative, and rehabilitative aspects of geriatric healthcare, aiming to deliver accessible, affordable, high-quality, long-term, and specialized care for the elderly population.

Under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY), all senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for benefits. The scheme provides free treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, regardless of socioeconomic status. Senior citizens also receive a separate Ayushman card, termed Ayushman Vay Vandana, under this initiative.

NPHCE Provisions for Healthcare:

  1. National Health Mission (NHM) Component:
    • Aims to enhance access to dedicated geriatric outpatient services, physiotherapy services, and inpatient care at Ayushman Arogya Mandir-Health & Wellness Centres (AAM-HWC), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals across the country.
  2. Tertiary Care Component:
    • The government has established two apex National Centres for Ageing (NCAs) at AIIMS, New Delhi, and Madras Medical College, Chennai.
    • Seventeen Regional Geriatric Centres (RGCs) have been set up to deliver specialized tertiary geriatric care nationwide.

Home-Based Care Provisions under NPHCE:

  • Sub-Centre Level:
    • Domiciliary visits to provide care for home-bound or bedridden elderly individuals.
    • Training for family caregivers to assist disabled elderly persons.
  • Community Health Centre Level:
    • Rehabilitation workers conduct home visits for bedridden elderly individuals.
    • Counseling for family members on managing home-based care for the elderly.

These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive healthcare services for senior citizens, particularly in underserved and remote areas, added the Minister.

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