Challenges In Accessing Healthcare For The Elderly In India.

 

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India is currently experiencing a demographic shift towards an ageing population. As a result, the Indian government has implemented several policies and schemes to address the health, financial empowerment, and capacity building needs of the elderly population.

However, despite these efforts, there are still several challenges that the elderly face in accessing healthcare in India. According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), there are several barriers that prevent the elderly from accessing healthcare in India. 

Some of these challenges are:

1. Physical Barriers: Reduced mobility, declining social engagement, and the limited reach of the health system are some of the physical barriers that prevent the elderly from accessing healthcare services.

2. Health Affordability Constraints: Limitations in income, assets, and financial protection offered for health expenditures are some of the affordability constraints that prevent the elderly from accessing healthcare services.

3. Lack of Awareness: Many elderly people are not aware of their health needs or how to access healthcare services. This lack of awareness can prevent them from seeking timely medical attention.

4. Lack of Infrastructure: There is a lack of infrastructure in many parts of India that prevents the elderly from accessing healthcare services. This includes a lack of hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals.

5. Stigma: There is often a stigma attached to ageing in India, which can prevent the elderly from seeking medical attention. Many elderly people feel ashamed or embarrassed about their health problems and may not seek help as a result.

To address these challenges, there is a need for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and resources for the elderly population. The government must also work towards increasing awareness about healthcare needs among the elderly population and provide financial support for homes, day care centers, medical vans, help lines etc., while ensuring that senior citizens have access to basic amenities such as food, shelter and healthcare. 

In addition to these measures, community-based organizations can play an important role in promoting awareness about healthcare needs among the elderly population. These organizations can provide information about healthcare services and help connect elderly people with medical professionals.

It is imperative that India continues to prioritize elderly care as its population ages. The government must continue to work towards providing access to basic amenities such as food, shelter, healthcare while promoting intergenerational bonding.