Question : Healthcare of Elderly People

Will the Minister of HELATH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the number of people suffering from alzheimers dementia and related elderly diseases is on the rise in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government is implementing any scheme/programme to address the health related problems of elderly people including those suffering from aforesaid diseases and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of the activities undertaken and health infrastructure put in place along with by the funds earmarked, released and utilised by the Government for the above purpose during each of the last three years and the current year, State/
UT-wise; and

(e) the measures being taken by the Government for promotion of research on elderly diseases?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

(a) & (b): As per the Dementia India Report 2010 brought out by Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI), in India there were over 3.7 million persons estimated with dementia (2.1 million women and 1.5 million men).

This figure is expected to double every 20 years. The estimated number for the year 2021, as per the ARDSI Report, State/UT wise, is annexed at Annexure- I.

(c): Yes. The Government of India had launched the “National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly” (NPHCE) during the year 2010-11 for providing dedicated health care facilities to senior citizens (above 60 years of age) at primary, secondary and tertiary health care delivery system. The basic aim of the NPHCE is to provide separate and specialized comprehensive health care to the senior citizens at various levels of state health care delivery system including outreach services. Under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), the Government is implementing the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in 241 districts in the country for management of mental disorders which include treatment for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

(d): The major activities of the NPHCE are:-

i) Setting up of Geriatric department in identified Regional Geriatric Centres (RGC) with OPD care services and 30 bedded Geriatric ward for providing indoor services. RGCs will also undertake PG Courses in Geriatric for developing Human Resource.
ii) Setting up of Geriatric units at all District Hospitals that will provide specialist services. A 10 bedded Geriatric Ward will also be set up for providing indoor services.
iii) Establishment of Rehabilitation unit at all Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Geriatric clinic twice/week.
iv) Setting up weekly Geriatric clinic by trained medical Officer at Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
v) IEC on healthy life style, home care to the bed ridden and supportive devices for the needy elderly persons at sub-centre level.

As on date, a total of 104 districts of 24 States/UTs and 08 regional Geriatric Centres have been covered under NPHCE. Details of activities undertaken at different levels under the NPHCE as per information available are enclosed at Annexure-II. Details of funds released to the States/Union Territory during 2012-13 to 2014-15 and the current year are at Annexure-III.


(e): Regional Geriatric Centres established under the Programme will undertake clinical, epidemiological and applied research in the field of gerontology and geriatrics. Funds have been released to 08 RGCs under NPHCE for research on specific elderly diseases.