Enabling better health care implementation rooted in research

Yadgir has an estimated elderly population of 25,000.

Health is one of the key issues for the elderly population, especially in rural areas where access to quality and affordable healthcare is a major challenge. while the National Program for Healthcare of Elderly (NPHCE) was launched by the government with a vision to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated care services to senior citizens, the implementation of this far-reaching policy has a long way to go. The major challenge in planning interventions for the elderly is a lack of data that captures their diverse healthcare needs, as well as key socio-economic and demographic details.

We are working towards developing a comprehensive profile of the elderly in Yadgir through field research in order to design strategic interventions that address their healthcare needs and promote better health outcomes. By working with government-run health care facilities, local communities and families of the elderly persons, we intend on creating a sustainable framework for the implementation of NPHCE in Karnataka. The project will be carried out in three phases. It envisages a comprehensive model for health care for the elderly persons, ensuring access to a affordable and quality health care and services that build awareness of health and nutrition along with social engagement, for preventive and promotional care.

Currently, we are in the first phase of the project, and our field teams has conducted a baseline survey across 30 villages in Yadgir district. Based on the findings, weekly geriatric clinics are functional in 4 Demonstration PHCs in collaboration with Health Department and established 3 Grama Hiryara Kendra (GHK) recreational centers for elders.