O. P. Sharma
Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
Title: Geriatric Care In India – an effect of demographic population transition, ageing convention commitments & opportunities.
Biography
Biography: O. P. Sharma
Abstract
The life expactancy at birth of 34 years in 1947 has gone up to 69 years in 2018 & the absolute numbers is 140 millions. Geriatrics recognized by Medical Council of India recently & out of 460 medical colleges only 5 have PG courses in Geriatrics. The infrastructure on health is poor & in geriatric care negligible. Indian commitments in Viena Convention 1983 & Madrid Convention 2002 are to be fulfilled.
The fast spreading knowledge beleif that most of the ailments even in advanced age may be addressed to a great satisfaction. The economic developments & health awareness are going hand in hand. Besides government centres on ageing & development of geriatric clinics/wards in medical colleges, corporate sectors are coming up in health care delivery system.
The superannuated employees from organized sectors, supported by employers & insurance are seeking quality care in elderly segments. There is urgent need for development of geriatric care in the health infrastructure both at the levels of home care as well as institutional care. The geriatricians, caregivers, pharma products, nutrition, gadgets & aids for elderly are in great demand but have to be modified to suit Indian requirements.