‘Elderly need family support, accessible healthcare facilities for well-being’

Srinagar, Feb 19: In a significant initiative to promote elderly healthcare, the Kashmir University’s Directorate of Lifelong Learning (DLL), University Health Centre and Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF) organised a one-day Awareness-cum-Medical Camp titled ‘Moul Mouj: Izzat, Qadar Teh Sehat’ under the area-based community development approach at Mir Behri, Dal Srinagar.

The camp witnessed the participation of over 130 elderly patients, who were provided free medical consultations, medicines, blood tests, ECGs and specialised counselling. During the camp, it was observed that many elderly patients were undertreated and lacked awareness about common symptoms of diabetes, hypertension and heart-related issues. The camp also focused on counselling adult children about the importance of taking proper care of their ageing parents, emphasising the crucial role of family support in elderly well-being.

A noteworthy outcome of the camp was the identification of five financially marginalised seniors who were unable to afford medication for their chronic diseases. These seniors were adopted by Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF) under its Lifetime Privilege Card program, ensuring free medical care, medicines and investigations. Besides, several patients were diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension for the first time and were immediately placed on appropriate treatment to manage their conditions effectively.

Senior Geriatric Consultant Dr Zubair Saleem led the medical consultations, addressing critical health concerns of the elderly, while Dr Khalid Nazir, Coordinator at the University Health Centre, provided dental and oral health awareness, along with dental consultations.

In her message, Vice-Chancellor, the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofar Khan, lauded the initiative, stating, “This medical camp reflects Kashmir University's commitment to community welfare and ensuring accessible healthcare for the elderly. Such initiatives are essential to provide awareness and holistic well-being.”

Director, of the Directorate of Lifelong Learning, Prof. Shazia Manzoor, emphasised the importance of elderly healthcare awareness, adding, “Our goal is to reach underserved communities and provide them with essential healthcare and knowledge to improve their quality of life.”

On the occasion, Dr Zubair said, “Many patients were undertreated for chronic illnesses, with a notable number of seniors being smokers. Key lifestyle changes—reducing salt, sugar and fat intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking, and maintaining at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity—are often more crucial than medication in managing and preventing chronic diseases.”

The medical camp was coordinated by Altaf Hussain Zargar, Asst Ext Education Officer (DLL) and Waseem H Raja, Project Officer (DLL) ensuring smooth execution and maximum outreach.

The initiative was actively supported by local volunteers, students from the Social Work Department, the University of Kashmir and interns from Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF), who played a crucial role in assisting the elderly patients and facilitating medical services.

The patients of the locality expressed immense satisfaction, hoping for continued support and conduct of more such healthcare camps in the future.