Mangaluru
To ensure that senior citizens are not mistreated in old-age homes, the govt has commenced the accreditation process for senior citizens’ care homes, said Dr Alexander Thomas, founding member of Vayah Vikas.
He was speaking at the launch of Vayah Vikas, Mangaluru Nodal Centre at the AJ Hospital and Research Centre. Dr Alexander Thomas said that a minimum level of standards is necessary to prevent irregularities.
Dr Alexander said the government is urged for an increased budgetary allocation and through the IRDAI to provide affordable insurance for senior citizens and to remove the GST on health insurance policies for senior citizens, also conducting an 11-month course on geriatrics for MBBS graduates. Plans are to conduct a similar course for nurses and train family caregivers.
Meanwhile, in association with the Indian Institute of Science, a study on the effects of food and environment on the ageing of muscles is being carried out and it is expected to be released soon, the doctor added.
India is a young country but is expected to see a good number of senior citizens in the coming years. Vayah Vikas will soon be launched in Mysuru and will be extended to Jharkhand. Plans are to increase the membership to two million and network with NGOs, said Dr Thomas.Vayah Vikas is a not-for-profit organisation based in Bengaluru that is driven by the philosophy of by the seniors, for the seniors, of the seniors. The platform makes senior citizens aware of how to take care of their wellness and well-being and opportunities for a productive engagement so that they can build dignified lives, said Shankar Ranganathan, head of operations, Karnataka Chapter.
