Haryana Govt to train medical officers on elderly health
In a significant move to enhance healthcare for the elderly, the state government has approved a plan to focus on geriatric health assessment at government-run health facilities.
The initiative aims to identify potential health issues in senior citizens, assess their overall well-being, and develop personalised care plans at their nearest health centres to help maintain or improve their quality of life.
The Department of Health has approved a proposal submitted by Pt BD Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, to train medical officers posted at Civil Hospitals, Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) across Haryana.
In a communiqué recently issued by the office of Director General (Health Services), the department acknowledged the urgent need for specialised elderly care and praised PGIMS-Rohtak for taking the initiative.
“Recognising the growing need for specialised care for the elderly, we value the initiative and expertise offered by PGIMS-Rohtak in this important area. The institute’s experience and infrastructure make it an ideal partner to support capacity building of medical officers in this field,” the communiqué stated.
Confirming the development, Prof HK Aggarwal, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences, Rohtak (UHSR), said the initiative would provide major relief to the aging population.
“This program will ensure that elderly people not only receive timely healthcare at their nearest center but also undergo comprehensive and regular evaluation of their physical, mental, social, and functional health in a regular manner,” Dr Aggarwal added.
Dr. Kundan Mittal, Medical Superintendent (MS) at PGIMS, said a focused assessment and treatment approach by trained experts would significantly improve the elderly’s chances of living a healthier and longer life.
“In a situation where we have limited trained manpower, there is an urgent need to involve primary healthcare providers — such as medical officers and nurses at the local level — to offer basic services, identify problems early, and ensure timely referral to higher centers for comprehensive care,” he explained.
Dr Mittal maintained: “This initiative will strengthen preventive healthcare at the primary level. As a result, senior citizens will no longer need to travel long distances to tertiary hospitals like PGIMS-Rohtak for routine check-ups or minor ailments, as most of their needs will now be addressed locally through regular health evaluations.”
He informed that the training program was expected to roll out soon in coordination with the health department. “It is a major step toward strengthening geriatric services in both rural and urban areas of Haryana,” said the MS.
Haryana Tribune