Pune district gets its first geriatric unit with OPD services & 10 beds for elderly care
According to officials, the unit has been developed within the district hospital campus. The work is at the end-stage and currently, minor electrical work and painting is in progress. The unit will have a geriatric clinic with regular dedicated outpatient department (OPD) services for the elderly and a 10-bed geriatric ward for in-patient care. Facilities will be made available for laboratory investigations for the diagnosis and provision of medicines for geriatric medical and health problems.
Existing specialties such as General Medicine, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology and ENT among others will be provided. The health department is also in talks with private organisation/s to set up additional services at the unit, free-of-cost, officials said. The geriatric unit will provide services to elderly patients referred by primary health centres and similar facilities in the district. Besides, health camps for geriatric patients will be held by the unit in the district.
Dr Nagnath Yempalle, Pune district civil surgeon and head of ADH, said that in the past few years, there has been a rise in the number and proportion of the geriatric population.
'The unit has been developed as per the directions of the MoHFW to provide a comprehensive health care setup completely dedicated to the elderly. The services are designed to provide preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to geriatric patients,' he said.
Dr Yempalle further said that the unit is the need of the hour considering the surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and social care required by the elderly.
'Disabilities due to NCDs are common in the elderly, which affect mobility, compromising the ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Besides, we will soon write to the director's office requesting additional dedicated staff for the unit,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
A comprehensive effort to contain sickle cell disease
Many within India's tribal communities have been silently battling the debilitating genetic disorder known as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). For decades, this condition has taken a toll on their health and socioeconomic development, exacerbated further by geographic isolation and limited access to health care. Recognising this dire need, the Union government launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) in July 2023. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to not only eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission but also restore dignity and health to millions affected by this condition. In its first two years, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has yielded remarkable results, with joint efforts of MoHFW and the states, with over 60.7 million individuals have been screened across more than 300 districts in 17 high-prevalence states. (HT Archive) Sickle cell disease alters the shape of red blood cells, impairing their oxygen-carrying capacity and leading to severe health complications over time. Among tribal populations, the impact is profound, as they are disproportionately affected by this genetic disorder. According to Global Burden of Disease figures (2021), an estimated 82,500 births with SCD occur in India. The National Health Policy 2017 laid the groundwork for addressing this crisis. Building on this, the 2023 budget announced the NSCAEM, setting a target to screen 70 million individuals under 40 years by FY26. The activity was implemented under the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW), making it one of the largest population-based genetic screening programmes globally. The mission also aims to eliminate genetic transmission of SCD by 2047 while providing comprehensive care to those already afflicted. In its first two years, this mission has yielded remarkable results, with joint efforts of MoHFW and the states. As on July 31, over 60.7 million individuals have been screened across more than 300 districts in 17 high-prevalence states. Among those screened, 216,000 individuals were found to suffer from the disease, while 1.69 million were identified as carriers. Analysis reveals that 95% of cases are concentrated in five states: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. The story of Meena, a young tribal girl from Nawapara Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, is emblematic of the mission's impact. Diagnosed during the screening drive, Meena was enrolled in a nearby health sub-centre. The trained Community Health Officer (CHO), auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) and ASHA worker at the sub-centre ensured that she had access to free hydroxyurea, the drug that significantly alleviated the symptoms of SCD. Today, Meena leads a healthier life and is an advocate for genetic counselling in her community. To accelerate screening efforts, point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic devices approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have been deployed. Initially limited to three, the number of approved kits has now expanded to over 30, reducing costs dramatically from ₹100 to ₹28 per kit. This initiative has ensured cost-effective and efficient diagnostic capabilities. The implementation of this mission is not solely focused on screening; it prioritises holistic care for individuals diagnosed with SCD. Management interventions under the mission include free health care services with access to essential medicines and diagnostics, hydroxyurea, a key drug for managing SCD, is added to the National Essential Drug list (EDL). The mission also emphasises genetic counselling and public awareness as pivotal strategies for eliminating SCD. Over 26.2 million genetic status cards have been distributed, empowering individuals with critical health information. SCD cards have become a vital tool for informed decision-making, enabling families to make choices that reduce the risk of genetic transmission. Fifteen health care institutions/medical colleges have been selected to establish Centres of Excellence (CoEs), as per guidelines laid down by the MoHFW, and funding support from the ministry of tribal affairs. These institutions focus on prenatal diagnosis and management of severe SCD complications, ensuring specialised care for at-risk families. Additionally, a National Level Training of Trainers (ToT) programme organised in October 2024 has equipped health care professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complexities of SCD management effectively. The success of NSCAEM is underpinned by the whole-of-government approach, by which MoHFW is involving the tribal affairs, social justice & empowerment, education, and women & child development ministries. This inter-ministerial coordination ensures holistic implementation, addressing the socio-cultural and geographic dimensions of tribal health. Research-backed interventions, supported by the department of health research of the MoHFW, have further enhanced cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes. While the achievements are commendable, MoHFW has now shifted focus to future priorities for the mission. The immediate focus will be on expanding genetic counselling, public awareness campaigns, and distribution of genetic status cards. Leveraging community-level platforms will be crucial in ensuring that every carrier and diseased individual receives the care and support they need. Enhanced research efforts will provide actionable insights to refine interventions further. The true spirit of this mission lies in its motto: 'Supporting our fighters, strengthening our survivors, and standing by our warriors.' By combining political will, scientific innovation, and grassroots implementation, India is poised to eliminate sickle cell anaemia and transform the lives of millions. As India strides confidently towards its 2047 goal of eliminating SCD, the NSCAEM stands as a beacon of hope. It exemplifies what can be achieved when government, healthcare professionals, and communities unite for a common cause. India's fight against sickle cell anaemia is not just about combating a genetic disorder — it is a commitment to equity, dignity, and the health of our nation's most marginalised groups. With the experience of individuals like Meena guiding the way, the mission serves as a testament to the transformative power of targeted health care initiatives, marking a historic leap in addressing tribal health challenges. Jagat Prakash Nadda is the Union minister for health and family welfare. The views expressed are personal.
Hans India
29-07-2025
- Hans India
ORS affordable, effective healthcare solution for dehydration & diarrhoea: Nadda
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is an affordable and effective healthcare solution for dehydration and diarrhoea, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday. World ORS Day is observed annually on July 29 to raise awareness about the importance of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) in treating dehydration caused by diarrhoea and other conditions. 'Today, we observe World ORS Day to highlight the importance of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) as an affordable and effective healthcare solution for treating dehydration and diarrhea,' Nadda said in a post on social media platform X. 'ORS is a simple yet powerful remedy that prevents and treats dehydration, a condition that can be life-threatening, especially in young children. 'This day aims to raise widespread awareness about this lifesaving treatment, ensuring that everyone has access to this crucial remedy that has the potential to save millions of lives,' the Union Minister said. Acute diarrhoeal diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality in infants and young children in many developing countries. In most cases, death is caused by dehydration. Dehydration from diarrhoea can be prevented by giving extra fluids at home, or it can be treated effectively and cheaply in all age groups. In severe cases, patients must be given an adequate glucose-electrolyte solution -- ORS as recommended by the WHO Diarrhoeal Diseases Control (CDD) Programme. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) advises giving ORS and zinc to children on time to prevent diarrhoea and dehydration. It is also available free of cost at every health centre. In 2024, the MoHFW rebranded its long-standing Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) as the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign to tackle the persistent issue of childhood diarrhoea and strive for zero child deaths. The initiative, which began in 2014, focuses on enhancing the Prevent, Protect, and Treat (PPT) strategy and increasing the use of ORS and Zinc. The campaign aimed at strengthening health infrastructure, improving access to clean water and sanitation, enhancing nutritional programmes, and promoting hygiene education.
Hindustan Times
28-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Aundh District Hospital operating sans MRI machine for a year, adding to patients' woes
PUNE: Aundh District Hospital (ADH), a major government hospital in Pune district, has been operating without an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine for almost a year now, forcing hundreds of patients—many of whom are from low-income backgrounds—to turn to expensive private hospitals. Pune, India - Aug. 5, 2023: District Hospital in Aundh in Pune, India, on Saturday, August 5, 2023. (Photo by Kalpesh Nukte/HT PHOTO) According to officials, MRI scans are crucial for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions, including brain injuries, tumours, spine problems, and joint disorders. However, patients at ADH must now wait for weeks or travel long distances to other government hospitals that are already overloaded to avail this facility. Besides, many patients cannot afford the cost of private scans, which range from ₹4,000 to ₹12,000 depending on the body part which is to be scanned. The government of Maharashtra in November 2023 appointed 'Unique Wellness', a private agency, to provide CT scan and MRI services at ADH. As per the agreement, the private agency was handed over possession of a designated space at ADH to set up CT scan and MRI services. As per the agreement, the CT scan and MRI services were supposed to be started within six months from the date of the private agency taking possession of the space. However, only CT scan services have been initiated at the hospital in August 2024 while MRI services are yet to be started, officials said. Pune district civil surgeon, Dr Nagnath Yempalle, has written to the private agency on July 17, 2025 calling for an explanation for its failure to start MRI services at ADH since February 2025. 'The stipulated six-month period to start the MRI service has lapsed in February 2025. This has resulted in inconvenience to the patients at the hospital. We have asked the private agency to submit an explanation regarding the non-initiation of the MRI service immediately. Also, in case of failure to respond, the issue will be reported to the higher authorities for further action,' said the civil surgeon. Dr Yempalle further informed that when patients bring up the issue of the absence of an MRI facility, the hospital authorities ask the private agency to get the MRI done at the latter's private facility in Aundh. Whereas the transport and manpower for the same is arranged by ADH. But it is still an inconvenience to patients, not to mention a waste of resources and time; Dr Yempalle said. Health experts say that the lack of timely MRI services can delay diagnosis and treatment, especially in cases of stroke, tumours, and internal injuries. The situation is challenging in severe cases. Sunanda Jadhav (name changed), a housemaid who had travelled from Talegaon, said, 'The doctor advised me to get an MRI of the spine. But I was told the machine is not available at ADH. I don't have the money to go to a private lab…' The ADH, on an average, has over 1k patients seeking treatment at the outpatient department (OPD) daily and has a capacity of 300 beds. While more than 100 patients are admitted to different wards of the hospital. On an average, around five to six patients require MRI services daily, and the number is high during the dedicated 'Ortho OPD' days. Besides, patients with severe/critical illnesses are referred from sub-district hospitals and rural hospitals of the district to ADH. Health activists have also raised concerns over the state's slow response, and have demanded urgent action. 'The absence of such key diagnostic services defeats the purpose of a district hospital meant to serve poor and middle-class citizens. Not every patient goes and meets the civil surgeon, asking for help to get the MRI done. The staff at the hospital only say that an MRI is not available at the hospital, and no transport is provided to take the patients to another MRI facility at Aundh. Even the civil surgeon is not always available at the hospital,' claimed health activist, Sharad Shetty. On his part, Jaipal Ravat, who manages the unit at ADH, said, 'The process to install a new MRI machine at ADH is underway and the issue will be resolved in a month. There was no stipulated time period given by the government in writing to us. Some costing issues related to MRI services are pending with the government, and the decision is yet to be taken.'
