To provide better healthcare services to the elderly residents of Chandigarh, those above 80, living alone and bedridden, the Health Department has started an initiative where a team will visit the elderly at their homes regularly, check for various health issues. Launched on September 19, as many as 25 calls have already been received within the first fortnight of its launch. The service deploys a dedicated ambulance team comprising a doctor, nurse, and paramedic from GMSH-16, operating between 9 am and 2 pm, Monday to Saturday. Each day, the team attends to around five to six elderly patients, providing medical check-ups, counselling, basic treatment, and medicines if required. In case of a serious illness, patients are shifted to GMSH-16, with the provision of services like attendants and a dedicated ambulance service. As many as 1,874 people above 80 were identified as part of a survey by the department. Dr Suman Singh, Director, Health Services, Chandigarh, said the initial response has been encouraging. “People are responding positively to the service. We have already received 25 calls, and on average, five to six patients are reaching out daily. On Dussehra, there were no calls, but otherwise, the service is being used regularly. The elderly can also book a slot for a home visit and a video call,” said Dr. Singh. According to the department, the most common health complaints among the callers have been hypertension, diabetes, diarrhoea, and backache, though several other minor ailments have also been reported. To avail of the facility, elderly citizens or their family members can call at 0172-2782457 or 0172-2752043 (GMSH-16 helpline). The call centre verifies eligibility, records the details, and informs the caller about the approximate time of the team’s visit. For emergencies, citizens have been advised to continue using the 24-hour 112 helpline. Apart from the ease of not having to travel to hospitals alone, beyond medical treatment, the visits by the team also offer emotional reassurance, dignity, comfort and a sense of security to senior citizens. Healthcare experts believe the initiative will not only ensure timely intervention but also help in reducing hospital overload by addressing manageable health issues at home. The health department is also looking at ways to strengthen the doorstep medical support service further in the coming months.
