Healthy ageing awareness, medical camp held for elderly persons in Srinagar

Srinagar, Feb 22: In a concerted effort to promote elderly well-being and healthcare, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India and Anugraha Delhi, in collaboration with Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF) and GK Labs, organised a one-day free Healthy Ageing awareness and medical check-up camp under the Ageing with Dignity series (2024-25).

Held at Moul Mouj Health Centre, Kashmir Clinics Central, Karan Nagar, Srinagar, the camp witnessed an overwhelming response, with a large number of seniors turning up, many arriving alone and some accompanied by caregivers and family members with their medical records.

The camp provided comprehensive healthcare services, including free medical consultations, diagnostic screenings, and awareness sessions, to ensure that seniors receive the necessary medical attention and guidance for healthy ageing. Leading specialists attended to the elderly, including Dr. Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant and Gerontologist; Dr. Zamir, Senior Nephrologist; Dr. Arshid Bashir, Senior Rheumatologist; Dr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman, General Physician; and Dr. Masarat Lily, Senior Dental Surgeon. Experts from Sharp Sight Hospitals conducted free eye check-ups, addressing critical vision-related concerns among seniors.

Throughout the day, 106 seniors were examined and counselled on various health issues. However, a deeply concerning trend emerged as a significant number of elderly participants shared experiences of elder abuse, ranging from emotional distress and neglect to financial exploitation by their own family members. Acknowledging this alarming reality, Dr. Zubair Saleem emphasized the profound impact of stress on ageing, stating, "Stress and anxiety inflicted by adult children are major contributing factors to the worsening health conditions of elderly parents. Chronic stress not only accelerates ageing but also exacerbates existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. If we truly care about our elders ageing well, we must ensure they feel respected, supported and cared for."

Dr. Shakeel ur Rehman, Chairman, Kashmir Clinics Central, said, "Ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for seniors is our collective responsibility. Through such initiatives, we aim to provide comprehensive medical support and raise awareness about healthy ageing, empowering our elderly to lead healthier, dignified lives."

Highlighting the significance of such initiatives, the Chairperson of Anugraha, Dr Aabha Chaudhary, remarked, "These awareness and medical camps focus on inclusivity, ensuring that seniors are well-informed about healthy ageing practices. Knowledge empowers them to take charge of their well-being and make informed health decisions."

Speaking on the occasion, Director GK Labs remarked, "We are committed to providing the best and most advanced laboratory services to underserved seniors. Supporting such initiatives aligns with our mission, and we will continue to extend our expertise to ensure quality healthcare for the elderly."

Beyond medical consultations and individualised awareness sessions, the camp also provided free dental check-ups, eye screenings, blood tests, ECGs, X-Rays and medicines, while seniors were given nutritional and lifestyle counselling to help them adopt healthier habits. In a special initiative, MMF identified 10 financially marginalized and neglected elderly individuals and awarded them the MMF Lifetime Privilege Card, ensuring them free lifelong healthcare, including consultations, medicines, and diagnostic services.

The smooth execution of the camp was made possible by the dedicated efforts of MMF volunteers, medical staff from Kashmir Clinics Central, GK Labs and the supporting team from Anugraha Delhi. Seniors who attended the camp expressed gratitude to the organizers, emphasizing the need for more such initiatives to keep them informed about ageing-related health concerns and preventive care measures.