Senior Citizen Assosiation demands state govt to open Geriatric ward at hospial

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi: September 8, 2015: The Udupi Senior Citizens’ Association has objected to the delay in opening the Geriatric Ward at the District Government Hospital here.

 

Addressing presspersons here on Monday, A.P. Kodancha, president of the association, said that the Geriatric Ward had been constructed two years ago.

It had also been provided with state-of-the art equipment including beds. But the ward, which has separate facilities for male and female patients, had not been opened because the government could not appoint doctors or nurses for it.

A delegation of the association had met the Minister for Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader about three to four months ago and brought the matter to his notice. Mr. Khader promised to take action on the matter in a month, but so far nothing had been done.

Day-care centre

Many senior citizens were left alone in their houses while their children went to work. This created loneliness and boredom among them.

The association had been demanding a day care centre for the senior citizens for a long time. There had been no response from the government for this demand, he said.

The association had urged the Udupi City Municipal Council to construct a public toilet and also improve lighting facilities in Bhujanga Park.

Both the Union and State governments should take immediate steps to fully implement the National Policy for Older Persons. A separate commission should be established for the welfare of the senior citizens, he said.