Health care services at doorstep for elderly in Gujarat

The Gujarat government has launched a unique health plan for the elderly in the state, wherein they would get access to primary health monitoring at their doorsteps.

"Those above 70 years of age will need to get themselves registered with a government hospital by paying a token amount of Rs 1,000 and they will be provided all the basic health facilities at their doorsteps," said Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel.

As part of the project, a team consisting of a doctor, staff nurse and an attendant will visit the senior citizen every fortnight at their homes for a check-up and provide them consultancy for better health practices.

"The team will also carry all the requisite equipment with them and if required, they will provide primary treatment and also carry out primary health check-ups, including monitoring blood pressure, ECG etc," Patel said.

The team will also maintain a history of the patient by way of a health card issued to them.

A token fee of Rs 200 will be charged for every such visit.

The project will be initially be launched in Gandhinagar area on a pilot basis, before being rolled out across the state.