Srinagar, Nov 10: The Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (IMHANS), an associated hospital of GMC Srinagar, is set to restart consultations related to mental health for senior citizens at SMHS Hospital Srinagar, officials said.
The busy SMHS hospital will start the geriatric psychiatry OPD and provide consultations to the elderly on every Friday at the community center building.
Dr Junaid Nabi, Associate Professor in the department of psychiatry and expert in Geriatric Psychiatry will provide the services to elderly suffering from psychological disorders.
The Geriatric OPD at SMHS Hospital represents a crucial step in addressing healthcare challenges for the elderly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Junaid Nabi emphasized the significance of this initiative, especially considering the difficulties older individuals face during routine OPDs. The focus on common issues such as dementia, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression reflects a holistic approach to senior citizens’ mental health.
The feedback-driven commitment to expanding facilities indicates a dedication to improving geriatric care.
It’s noteworthy that Jammu and Kashmir’s aging population is on the rise, necessitating ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services for seniors.
He said this step by IMHANS is a positive move towards addressing the healthcare needs of senior citizens, with room for future growth and improvements. “It is just the beginning and we are planning to add more facilities to the geriatric psychiatric care unit,” he said.
In 2011, the Union Government announced an overhaul in the infrastructure and healthcare solutions for elderly care across India under the National Program for Health Care of the Elderly. It announced the setting up of eight regional centres with geriatric wards.
In 2018, the Health Department Kashmir proposed establishing the geriatric medicine department at Government Medical College, Srinagar and Jammu in its draft health policy.
It had then said the lack of geriatric medicine courses in medical colleges prompted authorities to recommend the speciality to provide breakthroughs for elderly patients.
