JLNM Hospital observes Int’l Day of Older Persons

Srinagar, Oct 31: The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, Department of Internal Medicine (JLNM Hospital), in collaboration with the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing (CISA) and Moul Mouj Foundation, observed the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP-2025) at JLNM Hospital, Rainawari. The event celebrated excellence in healthcare, research, and academic commitment toward compassionate, evidence-based care for the elderly.

In his message, Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Jahangir Bakshi, commended the collaborative efforts of JLNM Hospital and CISA–Moul Mouj Foundation in advancing senior healthcare and establishing a model for integrated geriatric services.

Coordinator of the event, Dr Nasir Shamas, Faculty, Department of Medicine, in his introductory remarks, underlined the importance of recognising both healthcare and academic contributions toward the wellbeing of older persons.

Deputy Medical Superintendent, JLNM Hospital, Dr Asifa Jan, in her welcome address, highlighted the hospital’s ongoing initiatives for senior citizen health and emphasised the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in geriatric care.

Medical Superintendent, JLNM Hospital, Dr. Tariq Jan, lauded the joint efforts of clinicians, faculty, and the Moul Mouj Foundation in fostering multidisciplinary collaboration for elderly care. He stressed that academic excellence must translate into compassionate service, especially for vulnerable senior patients.

Senior Geriatric Consultant and Founder of Moul Mouj Foundation, Dr Zubair Saleem, delivered the keynote address, sharing that his journey as a geriatrician began at JLNM Hospital. He said that the essence of elder care lies in compassion guided by clinical evidence, and that advancing healthcare for the elderly is not merely a professional duty but a shared social responsibility.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to departments and professionals for excellence in clinical and academic services for the geriatric population. Honourees included Dr Afaq Jalali and the Dialysis Team, Dr Riyaz Saif and the Gastroenterology Team, Dr T.P. Singh and the Ophthalmology Team, Dr. Asifa Jan and Dr Shaika Qadri for the DNB Cell, Dr Shahid Tak for Cardiology, Dr Shakeeb and Dr Taha for academic excellence, and Dr. Nuzhat Tabasum and the Emergency Team for their dedicated services.

Special recognition was given to Dr Hakim Ali and Dr Dev Arjun as Outstanding Trainees in DNB Medicine (2025), and to Dr Ravi for securing second prize in poster presentation at MMFDIACON-2025, reflecting the academic and clinical strength of JLNM Hospital’s young physicians.

Lifetime contribution awards were presented to Dr Akash Ahmad Shah, Dr Muhammad Ashraf Lone, Dr Akhter Ahmad Ganai, Dr Naim-ul-Zaffar, Dr Shahzada Bano, and Dr.Arifa Amin for their decades-long dedication to patient care, mentorship, and medical teaching.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to continue promoting research-driven, compassionate, and inclusive healthcare for elders—upholding the spirit of service through empathy.