By Jehangir Hospital
India has close to 120 million elderly people with a multitude of physical, psychosocial, economic, and spiritual problems. While the functionally and cognitively fit elders can access the regular healthcare facilities offered by the government, they also need an active aging program to keep them independent. Health Ministry has created geriatric care centers and geriatric clinics in most of the states.
However, these centers may not serve the functionally and cognitively impaired elderly. There is a dire need for mobile units, day-care centers, and hospices, and the need for training of personnel in-home nursing. Routine care clinics are not capable to handle the burden of the geriatric population to address their multi-morbidity and several other age-related factors.
There is a need for a rapid training of health-care professionals of various disciplines in geriatric care. The government must support nongovernmental organizations and other agencies which provide daycare, home care, and palliative care so that these services become affordable to all the elderly.
Indian elderly confront several social issues such as lack of income security, elder abuse, loneliness, neglect, and poor access to healthcare. India also has a lack of policies on the advanced directive, palliative care, and end-of- life care for the elderly. These elderly people are classified into 3 groups –
Group 1 – Functionally and cognitively fit
Group 2 - Mild Functional Limitations or Mild Cognitive Impairment Group 3 - Severe Functional Limitations or Cognitive Limitations
The national policy on elderly people was announced in January 1999 to reaffirm the wellness of older people National Policy on Senior Citizens which is ready from March 30, 2011, is under the implementation stage. The major components of this policy included –
The sub-centers and clinics cater to the needs of the elderly who can access healthcare facilities. The majority of Group-1 and a small portion of Group-2 elderly who are fortunate to have the assistance from family members or neighbors can access these facilities. These centers are so crowded with other programs that the elderly do not get enough time to get a complete assessment. Hardly, any rehabilitative facilities such as occupational therapy are available even in district hospitals.
Thanks to the execution of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) program, at least in some districts, elderly are getting tested for diabetes and hypertension regularly and getting free medications. NCD clinics are equipped with staff to advise on a healthy diet and exercise. However, vaccination for the elderly is still in its infancy and is an unmet need.
Even though some of the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as Help Age India have started Mobile Healthcare Units including physiotherapy services, the Health Ministry is yet to provide care through mobile geriatric care units. Kerala Government has set up various palliative care units that have mobile services. However, at the national level, it is an unmet need.
National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) is giving training to the employees of the voluntary organizations caring for the elderly. However, the demand for home care personnel is so high that untrained persons are getting into jobs with no time for training. Various NGOs have developed home care facilities in Metros. However, these are too pricey and unaffordable to the common man.
The Group-3 elderly with severe functional and/or cognitive impairment cannot be managed at home unless they hire home nurses or trained home people are available. Currently, hospitalization becomes mandatory as they need palliative care. There is a need for hospices that provide palliative care. Albeit, palliative care homes exist in some places, they accept only cancer patients but not geriatric patients. There is a need to create more hospices that cater to the needs of the elderly. There is a need for separate facilities for dementia care.
If we have to keep our elderly full of life and independence, we need an active aging program for the elderly. Day-care centers for active aging may be used for group exercise, to provide at least one wholesome meal, for recreational activities such as adult learning, library, and development of new hobbies, and also for income-generating activities.
Healthcare of the elderly cannot be achieved unless we address total health, such as physical, social, economic, psychological, and spiritual aspects. Unless we address all these issues, geriatric health cannot be ensured. The governmental facilities alone may not be enough to cater to the needs of this huge population.
By 2050, India is going to have 20% of the Geriatric Population. NGOs have to step forward to generate assistance. The government should offer some aid to NGOs so that they provide affordable services. All the private healthcare institutions in confluence with the government should create geriatric healthcare facilities. The national program has to be implemented all over the country on an urgent basis. All the facilities addressing the unmet needs have to be implemented in every village and city across the country.
Jehangir Hospital offers holistic geriatric healthcare through its Geriatric Centre with an integrative, multi-disciplinary program exclusively created for the elderly. The program focuses on cognitive stimulation along with restoring and maintaining the physical function. It has also been proven that group-based psychosocial and physical activity programs help in improved attention and concentration, increased confidence, improved physical strength and ability to perform routine activities, encourages socialization, prevents falls and injuries, and enhances their overall quality of life.
Author: Jehangir Hospital
“Dear Dr Nina, I wish I could see you to thank you in person before getting discharged. I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to you for the exceptional care and support you have provided throughout my pregnancy and the delivery of our baby. Your kindness, patience, and reassuring presence made a world of difference during a time that was both exciting and challenging. You were really my last hope at getting pregnant and I thank God every day that He brought me to you. I was also very anxious when the baby was detected with FGR. But you put our minds at ease at every consult and I left the fate of the delivery process in your hands. I was never really fixated on a "Normal" delivery. I have heard many stories where the doctors scare the parents into C- sections. However the situation was strange in this case, where you still gave us a shot at a normal delivery and I have zero regrets that it ended in a surgical one at the last minute. I feel fortunate to have had you by my side during this incredible journey. Your professionalism and genuine concern for your patients are truly commendable. This gratitude note would be incomplete without the mention of some kind souls that helped throughout. 1. Rachita Duggal- her reassuring smile itself is enough to drive worries away! 2. Dr Ayesha- again a very calming presence and grateful to have had her in the OT! 3. Miss Vaikhare- extremely pleasant to talk to, the perfect person to run a department full of anxious moms to be/new moms. 3. Dr Saket, Dr Prakriti, Sister Sushmita, Sister Sayali and all the other nurses. 5. All the support staff and maushis. Wishing you continued success in your medical practice, and once again, thank you for being an integral part of this memorable chapter in my life.”
- Sanyogita And Ashish, Jan 2024
“We would like to thank Dr Jyotsna Angom and her team for the constant support throughout the pregnancy. Last 8 months was both physically and emotionally exhausting as it was a complicated one but she dealt it with it so well and was always available. Without her it would not have been possible to pull through. Heartfelt gratitude.”
- Aamra Ahmed, Nov 2022
“We are thankful to Sachin sir and Sharayu mam for bringing joy and happiness into our life. You are a ray of hope to all those couples who are planning to have a child but due to health issues, they can\'t. My experience with Dr. Sachin is excellent, very motivating with a positive feelings, a humble human being and his staff is also very helpful and understanding. I would definitely recommend this team to all couples.”
- Vishal Patil, Nov 2022
“Aishwarya Jiman here. Our family has been blessed with our little princess on 23-Jul-2022 I would like to write a heartfelt thank you note to Dr.Nina and her team. Hello Dr. Nina Ma\\\'am.... Words are not enough to express the joy of delivering a baby with the support of your expertise and the commendable efforts of the entire Team of Jehangir Hospital... There was a point where I was about to give up hope and your words of determination to push myself to the finish line made our bundle of joy arrive with normal delivery... Jehangir facilities staff, Maternity Nursing staff, Dr. Sayali, Resident Dr. Prakhriti, Dr. Mehek Mukhi (making me understand to push with my mouth closed and not scream cuz that would drain out all the energy), the entire team was alert and hands on during the entire birthing process. Our first prenatal workshop U and Me Baby was an experience that we will always cherish. The breathing techniques demoed in the session were the most helpful during the birthing process. 100 sqauts > castor oil. + Milk .. all made the trick for a challenging yet smooth delivery. You were always determined to ensure I had a normal delivery despite being a diabetic. All the tests were performed at the right time during the pregnancy cycle.. Dr. Saket was always prompt to answer any doubts we had.. Dr. Sarita K made sure my sugar levels were under control with the insulin dosage though I was very tensed if high insulin dosage could have any effects.. Overall.. the comfort level that Dr.Nina Ma\\\'am has with her patients ..being clear and vocal ..shows how much of an expert she is in her profession that is her passion for a lifetime.. I remember she said during my delivery in the labor room.. OBGYN is something that I can\\\'t live without..🙂 (Ma\\\'am - I could catch only some of those words . Thank you for all your efforts and dedication. And yes..do follow Ma\\\'am on Instagram for all the helpful tips and facts about OBGYN and salad dressings too..”
- Aishwarya Jiman, Jul 2022
“I Shradha Sanjay Chavan, granddaughter of subhadra vijay chavan. My grandmother is facing spine pain, she is having cramp since 4 years from CGHS we came to know about jehangir hospital and Mr. Sanjay Gandhi Sir. My family was scared about spine operation. And many of the peoples are given feedback for spine operation. Some people are given feedback that the sine operation will not work or patient will suffer a lot after operation. But the operation goes very well. My grandmother is able to walk now and the pain which she is having before that pain is no more with her. The services of the hospitals superb. In jehangir hospital I noticed there is less paper work. All staff and doctors are so friendly and handled politely. And I will make sure I will refer my family and friends for future treatment in jehangir hospital only”
- Shradha Sanjay Chavan, Apr 2022
“Detect tumor in MRI before only 7 day headache & vomiting. At 04-12-2021 Dr. Sachin Gandhi operated at Poona hospital after surgery of 8 days doctors declared that patient survives from cancer fourth grade, so we have done 45 day medication & chemo therapy at budhani hospital. It completed at 31st Jan 2022. After 1 month gap we had do monthly 5 days chemo line with reference to Dr.Piplani(Jehangir Hospital). There is 3 chemo line done up to June 2022 after Dr. Piplani said we do MRI. In that MRI again detect tumor is increased at same stage so Dr Åžahin Gandhi operated 2nd time(27-06-2022). He is recovering from 2nd surgery after we will do chemo lines in jehangir hospital with ref to Dr. Sanjay Piplani Patient name - Akshay Konde”
- Tejaswini Konde, Dec 2021
“Dear Dr. Lad & Team, The last 2 months were tough for us to go through our child was suddenly put into ICU & Ventilator. these things were very difficult for us to accept. Rutvi has gone through difficult times with different medical complications for a child & her age it was very difficult to imagine such pain & such a challenging situation. The team of doctors & healthcare gives at Jehangir Hospital were just on top of the job to help Rutvi come back to normal. The challenges were many but each time the team was proactive and reactive. She has got the perfect treatment with the medical expertise & the diagnosis. We got many re-affirmation about the line of treatment and many experts assured us that our child is in safe hands. We are so delighted to give the best possible medical treatment to our child & bring back her with little or less impact. The smile & happiness on Rutvi\'s face right now assures us that the care she got is unmatched Our Gratitude & thanks beyond words”
- Sneha And Alok Patwardhan, Jun 2022
“To the Best physiotherapist Dr. Radhik Patil & Team. Thank you for pushing me to limits I didn\'t think were possible from the first visit to the last, I am always stoked to see the difference. Thank you for getting me back on the field quickly Sitting out kills me, and you guys are the best at getting me back on the field in the shortest amount of time possible Thank you for encouraging me to keep going even when it hurt Even when I felt my arm was going to fall off, thank you for encouraging me to keep going as it will get it stronger. Thank you for treating me like a person, not a number, and caring about my life outside of my injuries. I enjoyed the talks just about life in general and getting to know you guys Thank you for continuing to work with me even when your next patient has arrived Thank you for learning my sport to target the specific muscles needed in my daily game. Thanks for being a huge part of my success as an athlete.”
- Himanshu Jadhav, Jun 2022
“Excellent doctors & services provided by our staff especially Dr. Snita Sinukumar for all of her dedication and personal attention towards the patient. Thank you for sharing time to time all information and bare our questions.”
- Pramilla, Apr 2022
“I, the undersigned here Mohammed Ali Al Badri, the vice president of Supreme Court in Republic of Yemen, have the honour to submit herewith my sworn declaration that I accompanied my wife Safia Mohammed Qadri from Yemen to India as a patient after 2 years of suffering, motionless in her room, can not walk more than 10 meters.l presented her to all specialists available in Sanaa, Yemen but of no use. So we. reached Pune. And due to her good luck,I exposed her to hounarable Dr.Sandeep Borse in Jehangir hospital, in view of advice given by one surgent in Pune to do nails in her lower spine. But when she was examined by Dr.Sandeep he refused that view and said: No need of surgery, I will prescribe a medicine for her that will enable her to walk again, I was astonished. I couldn\'t believe what I have heard, just after 4 days of using that medicine, she felt that the ropes tighten her body started to untightened, and with a help of physiotherapy exercises, she was able to walk independently for long distances gradually. However, I hereby express my family\'s gratitude for DR.SANDEEP BORSE, the statue and pillar of medicine in Pune, who deserves all thanks for his efforts In relief ing human suffering. Alongside him, there are others who deserve the same gratitude. This is a real witness under my oath, and according to the best of my belief.”
- Mohammed Ali Albadri, Aug 2021
“Super Staff, Excellent Doctors. Very Comfortable Experience. Thanks to Team Jehangir”
- Darius Dorabjee, Jul 2021
“All Service and treatment is very good Thank you for everything”
- Sandeep Borse, Jul 2021
“Every staff was appreciated happy with the treatment given by the doctors. very good coordination between nursing staff and doctors. They treated me like a brother. ward sisters & housekeeping staff had treated me very nicely. Thank you for all your service”
- Raghundan Rathi, Jul 2021
“Our experience at Jehangir hospital was and always is lovely. Ms. Maya took care of us so well. all the labour room staff were extremely caring and efficient. Dr. Ninan Mansukhani and Dr. Kamat took care of us very well. The nursing staff at cardiac care is also excellent. All in all a great experience”
- Zara, Jul 2021
“We received very good service from everyone in the hospital. I am very much thankful to Maya & the Doctors. Thank You so much for everything”
- Sham Balani, Jul 2021
“Would like to thank all the people who took good care of me during my short stay”
- Dr Shilpa Yadav, Jul 2021
“We received a very good service from everyone at Jehangir. All the nurses and doctors gave the all required support. We all like to thank everyone for their support”
- Shikha Bose, Jul 2021
“The staff were very kind, from Maya head of admin to the nurses everyone was tremendous a special thank you to Maya, snehal, Rutika, Aishwarya & Priyanka for taking my care.”
- U R Dani, Jul 2021
“I would like to appreciate the entire team at Jehangir for taking such good care of me. I would especially like to mention Maya Mahale\'s name her personal touch and presence made me confident.”
- Devyani Mungali, Jul 2021
“Excellent Service at operation theater, Special thanks to doctors and nursing staff”
- Sunita Dinde, Jul 2021
“We are very satisfied with the service, the nursing staff is caring and works professionally. the attendant was prompt. we thank you for all the care provided.”
- Nargis Nagarwalla, May 2021
“Felt totally at home. overall extremely grateful to the entire team of Dr. Gadgil the nurses and ward boys. Everyone took lots of care with a smiling face.”
- Pathik Divate, May 2021
“I am grateful to all the team of doctors, nurses, and medical staff. all staff worked well in my treatment and recovery. thank you Jehangir Hospital.”
- Chetan Tolia, May 2021
“The excellent medical facility provided Dr. Kamat and the team are excellent and very supportive Staff have a good sense of humor.”
- Tejas Belhekar, May 2021
“A very pleasant stay, good medical staff, best nursing plus cleaning facility. IN this pandemic Medical staff was taken care of very well thank you so much. also very happy with the check-out procedure.”
- Yehan Morris, May 2021
“Patient\'s treatment handled very well by nursing, housekeeping staff, and doctors as well. Thank you so much for your help & Support. God bless each one of you and your family member.”
- Joel Pinto, May 2021
“My first experience of hospitalization. The staff, doctors, sisters, pantry all contributed well. Thank you for living to your motto We Add Care.”
- Randeep Khokar, May 2021
“Outstanding medical care, Excellent nursing staff. Thank you for everything”
- George, May 2021
“Whenever I have come here I have been always treated well. staff is efficient and caring. I and my family found Jehangir Hospital Doctors and medical staff has been most helpful always.”
- Avantika, May 2021
“Very caring and most attentive medical staff. All doctors were completely professional and at the top of their subject. the care is warm, personalized, and genuine.”
- Lianne Poonawalla, May 2021
“Dear Team Covid, Namrata Pimpalkar got admitted at Jehangir Hospital on 14th April 2021 due to symptoms of covid - 19. I was initially under a 6 days treatment of another doctor but due to the severity of the injection and the HRCT scan report I was advised for immediate hospitalization Mr. Shailesh and Ms. Maya from the administration and admission department helped me get a bed at the hospital. I was immediately given treatment after taking in the casualty. This helped my fever and head pain to relieve faster. Dr. Ambike, Dr. Chaitanya, Sister Sneha, Shaila, Libina were all very supportive during the treatment. They followed the doctor\'s instructions carefully and frequently took feedback about how I was feeling. Being a Covid patient I was away from my family, but these people gave me care and warmth. The dietician Ms. Manpreet was very protective and used to call me every day to check food preferences. Nikhil & Arvind both ward boys were very good at their job and on-time delivering food & water overall thank Jehangir Hospital 4th floor ward for helping me get recovered and their help towards me.”
- Namrata Pimpalkar, May 2021
“On behalf of the School Management and staff, I would like to say a huge thank you to all at Jehangir Hospital for the care and relentless support rendered to our colleague during his illness due to Covid.We would like to thank all the Doctors, Nurses and staff at the hospital for working tirelessly during this pandemic and caring for him. To show our appreciation and gratitude, please accept a small snack and tea goody bag for all the staff at the ICU and Covid ward. This is gesture from all of us to show that we care for their well-being in these trying times. Thank you once again,”
- Mahindra International School, May 2021
“My baby was born in Mid of June in Jehangir Hospital which is also a Covid treatment center. Since the day he was born, he has been under consultation/supervision of Dr Shilpa Yadav. Be it while being inside hospital or after discharge, she has always been there to guide us. Even in this COVID situation, she helped as much as possible by being available as a professional health-care provider”
- Amita Singh, Aug 2020
“Thank you Dr Mayur Kardile for your excellent work while performing surgery on my father for spine injury. Your hands are skilled as my incision is very small and my father’s pain has been minimal during recovery. I will be recommending you to everyone I know who also as spine related challenges. Sachin Aher (Jan 2020)”
- Sachin Aher, Apr 2020
“Expressing my gratitude with a humble heart and extend a warm thank you to Dr Chaitanya Kopikker for all you did with precision, skill and expertise. I would like to appreciate & Acknowledge the difference you made each & every day with care and compassion. I\'m truly grateful to the Jehangir Hospital services and utility rendered by the supporting staff. - Dr Dilip M.Jain [Medico Legal Consultant] (April 2020)”
- Dilip M Jain, Apr 2020
“I cannot describe with words, how grateful i am for Dr Mayur Kardile\'s guidance, help and approach. Thank you for everything that you have done for me as well as for saving my legs so i can walk without any problem. Excelent outstanding performance with the spine surgery. Thank you million times - Peter Skol (March 2020)”
- Peter Skol, Apr 2020
