Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has conducted any research on Geriatric diseases;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to set up a National Institute for Geriatric diseases; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) to (c): Yes, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has stated that they have promoted a large number of extramural research studies on the geriatric population focusing on age related problems. These studies cover the biological, epidemiological, mental and social issues that impact the elderly and have generated scientific evidences. One of the earliest studies was the Task Force project on Problems of the Aged Seeking Psychiatric Help (1981-84) followed by Health Care of the Rural Aged (1984-88). The first study aimed to determine the psychiatric disorders in the aged and the second study aimed to develop a feasible model for the delivery of health services to the rural aged utilizing the existing health infrastructure. Studies have been conducted to address the mental health and social needs of the elderly, on healthcare seeking behaviors, functional status, diet and nutritional status of the elderly. A paper published by ICMR in IJMR, 1997 reports the chronic morbidity profile of the elderly based on epidemiological studies carried out by ICMR. In this paper 6.1 percent of the persons above 60 years suffer from mental morbidity. 5.1-5.4 percent (One in twenty persons aged 60 years and above has hearing impairment. Another publication of a study supported by ICMR estimated the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in persons aged 60 years and above.
(d) & ( e): Yes, The Government of India proposes to set up National Institutes for Aging at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and Madras Medical College, Chennai in the 12th Five Year Plan.
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