Editor,
The geriatric healthcare scene in our state is primitive compared to other states in the country, as per reports available. High numbers of ailing old individuals are not being provided with treatments tailored to their specific needs, primarily due to the lack of dedicated geriatric clinics and proper infrastructure in the state.
There are no reports of structured, actively functioning geriatric OPDs, wards or rehabilitation units at PHCs, CHCs or district hospitals in the state. Our state lacks a systematic, publicly documented, tiered network of geriatric clinics or in-patient units specifically for elderly care. There is limited public access to geriatric screening and preventive camps held in the state.
National initiatives like geriatric health camps under the National Ayush Mission are conceptualised at the central level, but no evidence shows their active deployment in the state. Preventive care and routine assessments specific to seniors appear to be unavailable and underutilised in the public health domain. There is inadequate integration with national geriatric programmes such as the NPHCE that involve training healthcare staff at PHCs/CHCs, or specified geriatric clinics.
There are geographic and accessibility barriers in the state, particularly for the older population living in hilly terrains and remote villages, posing challenges in delivering healthcare for timely interventions and institutional visits. Home-based services are privately delivered and likely limited to easily accessible areas, leaving vast portions underserved.
Most geriatric services are provided by private or NGO sectors, while the government-led health facilities or public sector programmes customised to elderly care remains limited. There is a pressing need for government-led action for the establishment of geriatric healthcare services that are accessible, age-friendly, equitable, comprehensive, sustainable, and embedded within the public healthcare system.
Dr Lisam Beyong