A significant step towards improving geriatric care in Arunachal Pradesh was taken with the organization of a training program in Tawang on February 17, 2025. The event, focusing on the health needs of the elderly, was conducted under the aegis of the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) by the Tawang District Health Society.
The program was designed to reorient and upskill medical professionals, including specialists, medical officers, nurses, health and wellness officers, and physiotherapists. The main aim was to enhance their capabilities in providing comprehensive care tailored to the elderly population.
Dr. Sangey Thinley, the District Programme Officer for NPHCE, led the session, offering an in-depth look at the program’s operational guidelines. He stressed the importance of the NPHCE’s vision, which includes making healthcare services for the elderly accessible, affordable, and all-encompassing. Key to this vision is promoting active and healthy aging through community-based health initiatives, which include home visits to prevent conditions like frailty, morbidity, and mortality among older adults.
The training program addressed various aspects of elderly care, from disease management to early patient assessment, ensuring that healthcare workers are well-equipped to handle the specific health challenges faced by senior citizens.
The Tawang District Health Society’s commitment to this cause underscores a broader state initiative to bolster the quality of life for its aging population. This training is part of a continuous effort to ensure that healthcare in Arunachal Pradesh keeps pace with the demographic shift towards an older population, thereby providing them with the care they deserve.
