The department of Geriatric Medicine JLNM Hospital here has treated 12,172 senior citizens under Exclusive Geriatric Treatment Protocol (EGTP) in one year. From diabetes, high blood pressure, urinary, thyroid, gastrointestinal, neurological to orthopedic diseases, the EGTP including holistic treatment approach for treating all medical diseases in elderly patients. “As medical needs of elderly patients differ from adult patients, it became imperative for us to provide specific and quality health care to senior citizens”, said Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Kunzes Dolma, adding the Health Directorate directly supervises the department of Geriatric Medicine, under the charge of Geriatric Consultant, Dr Zubair Saleem.
“In case of senior citizens, this hospital has added anotherfeather in its cap. Of more than 12,172 senior citizens treated during last oneyear, 8,418 were treated in Geriatric Medicine OPD, 3,499 in Ortho-GeriatricOPD and 255 were admitted on IPD/short stay basis,” said MedicalSuperintendent, JLNM Hospital Dr Zakir Hussain Khan.
The CMO Srinagar, Dr Talat Jabeen said elderly populationhas equal right to health and dignity. Another Geriatric Medicine OPD isfunctioning from Ahata Waqar, Day Care Centre at PHC Chanapora. “Besidesrecreation, free consultation, counseling is being provided to senior citizensthere,” she added. In charge departmentof Geriatric Medicine, JLNM Hospital and Geriatric Consultant Ahata Waqar DrZubair Saleem said since there was decline in physiological functioning ofvarious organ systems in elderly, the drug interactions and drug dosage has tobe used carefully among them. The Geriatric Medicine OPD at JLNM Hospital isheld on Tuesday and Thursday and Ortho-Geriatric OPD on Wednesday. At PHCChanapora, Geriatric Medicine OPD is held on every Monday and Friday.