National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE).

 

https://www.yodda.care/

The **National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)** is a government initiative in India aimed at providing comprehensive health care services to the elderly population. Here are the key aspects of the program:

1. Introduction:

   - Launched in 2010 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare during the 11th Plan period.

   - Addresses various health-related problems faced by elderly individuals.

   - Based on recommendations from the "National Policy on Older Persons" and the "Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act 2007."

2. Objectives:

   - Provide preventive and promotive care:

     - Includes regular physical exercise, balanced diet, stress management, and fall prevention.

     - Trained health workers visit elderly individuals at home to impart health education.

   - Management of Illness:

     - Dedicated outpatient and inpatient services at health centers for chronic and disabling diseases.

   - Health Manpower Development:

     - In-service training for medical and para-medical professionals in geriatric medicine.

     - Introduction of postgraduate courses in geriatric medicine.

   - Medical Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Intervention:

     - Therapeutic exercises, training in daily activities, pain management, and inflammation treatment.

   - Information, Education & Communication (IEC):

     - Promoting healthy aging, physical exercise, stress reduction through health education programs.

3. Implementation:

   - Services provided at various levels of the state health care delivery system.

   - Outreach services to reach elderly individuals.

   - Regular medical check-up camps with IEC activities.

The 20th century witnessed an unprecedented increase in human longevity, leading to population aging worldwide. In India, the number of elderly individuals (aged 60 and above) has more than tripled in the last 50 years. As of the 2011 census, there were 103.83 million elderly people, projected to increase significantly in the coming decades¹.

Challenges Faced by the Elderly

- Morbidity Burden: Non-communicable diseases (such as lifestyle-related and degenerative conditions) are common among older individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.

- Disabilities: A significant percentage of the elderly population faces disabilities, affecting their ability to carry out daily activities.

NPHCE: A Solution

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the **National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE)** during 2010-11. The program aims to address various health-related challenges faced by elderly people in India. Here are the key components:

1. District Geriatric Units:

   - These units are established within government-run hospitals.

   - They include dedicated Geriatric Outpatient Departments (OPDs) and 10-bedded Geriatric wards.

   - Rehabilitation and physiotherapy services are provided in all district hospitals.

2. OPD Clinics and Rehabilitation Units:

   - These clinics operate at Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs).

   - Services include domiciliary visits to reach elderly individuals in their communities.

3. State-Oriented Approach:

   - The NPHCE operates at various levels of primary, secondary, and tertiary health care.

   - It aims to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term care services for the aging population.

4. Objectives:

   - Ensure comprehensive care for the elderly.

   - Promote the concept of active and healthy aging.

   - Converge with other health programs and relevant departments.

Funding and Implementation

- The NPHCE is sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with 75% central funding and 25% state funding.

- Senior citizens receive specialized health care facilities through the state health delivery system.

In summary, the NPHCE plays a crucial role in addressing the health needs of India's elderly population, establishing geriatric units, and providing specialized care. 🌼

For more detailed information, you can refer to the [official NPHCE guidelines](https://main.mohfw.gov.in/?q=organisation/Departments-of-Health-and-Family-Welfare/national-programme-health-care-elderly-nphce). 😊🌟