Himachal approves geriatric medicine departments at three medical colleges

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh government has approved the establishment of dedicated Departments of Geriatric Medicine at three government medical colleges in the state to cater to the specialised healthcare needs of the growing elderly population.

The departments will be set up at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla; Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (Dr RPGMC), Tanda in Kangra district; and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College (SLBSGMC), Ner Chowk in Mandi district.

The approval also includes the creation and filling up of requisite posts of Assistant Professors and Senior Residents, according to an official statement issued here.

Geriatric medicine is a specialised branch of medical science dealing with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases among elderly people, as well as health complications associated with the ageing process.

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The initiative aims to strengthen specialised healthcare facilities for senior citizens and ensure comprehensive medical care for age-related diseases and health complications, the statement said.

The departments will focus on maintaining the physical and mental well-being of elderly people through specialised medical services, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and prevention of age-related disabilities and diseases.

Unlike conventional medical specialities that primarily focus on individual organs or organ systems, geriatric medicine adopts a comprehensive approach to patient care, taking into account the overall health, functional abilities, psychological well-being and social needs of elderly patients.

The speciality also helps distinguish between diseases and the normal effects of ageing, to improve quality of life and promote healthy ageing. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the establishment of dedicated geriatric medicine departments at the three medical colleges would provide specialised treatment to elderly patients and help them lead healthier and more dignified lives.

He said the state government was committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring accessible, quality and specialised medical services for all sections of society, particularly senior citizens.

The elderly population deserved special attention and comprehensive healthcare facilities to address the medical and psychological challenges associated with ageing, he added.