Mysore :The Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), in its monthly meeting held on Aug. 10, discussed the health problems of elder citizens.
MGP President Prof. Chandraprakash said that a significant chunk of Mysore’s population was of senior citizens which include people of various economic conditions.
He further said that though the Government started various schemes for the benefit to general public, such as, Yeshasvini, Vajapayee Arogyasri, etc., there was no proper information regarding the same and citizens were not aware of the benefits which they could avail and the types of ailments which these schemes covered.
District Surgeon Dr. Vamadeva accepted that there was lack of communication of the facilities extended by the Government regarding health programmes and advised the senior citizens to get themselves checked at least once in a month, irrespective of their health conditions.
Dr. Vamadeva further said that the citizens need not have to run to K.R. Hospital for medical facilities, but could also visit hospitals like Sankramika Rogagala Aaspatre (Epedemic Disease Hospital) in Metagalli for treatment.
He also said that the health schemes like Yeshasvini, Rashtriya Swastya Bima Yojana, etc. are not only carried on by Government hospitals, but also through private institutions.
District Disabled and Senior Citizens Welfare Officer H.S. Balaram said that about 7.7% among city’s population were senior citizens and added that along with counseling, there is a tribunal which is headed by the Assistant Commissioner of District, to help senior citizens in case their problems were not solved at the helpline level.
Finance Officer of JSS Hospital, Bhagawan, said that the hospital, in association with the Police Department, has come up with a Helpline (1090) for senior citizens, not only for health related issues, but for any issue faced by senior citizens.
Members of public during the meeting raised several issues faced by the senior citizens such as lack of proper information regarding availability of nursing services, lack of any process or facility for donation of body upon the death of senior citizen, among others.
When people asked the officials present if the Yeshasvini scheme covers any non-surgical medical process, they were assured that such process would be brought under Yeshasvini soon.
Dr. Vamadeva said that there is a booklet containing information about Yeshasvini and such information would be circulated and will be made available to the general public at the earliest.
