Community Based Health(Primary Medical Care)

A majority of the elderly in India (8.3 million) are from the Unorganised Sector which is characterized by lack of financial, nutritional and social security.   Most of these elderly have a need to fend forthemselves and earn a livelihood for survival; hence, the acute need for “health”. 

Geriatric health is synonymous with chronic ailments – arthritis, osteoporosis, reduced cardiopulmonary endurance, reduced muscle strength, hypertension, dementia, depression, etc.  All these ailments are connected with regular medical consultations which are often both physically and financially inaccessible to the elderly, especially those in rural areas of India, where primary health care penetration remains low.  Elders therefore tend to neglect their own  health and medication needs, often resulting in their becoming bedridden and  totally dependent on their immediate family and the community.

Designed on the pattern of Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), HelpAge India is piloting the concept of Community Based Health Care for providing Primary Health Care and Care Giving by the communities themselves.   The initial healthcare services project is established by HelpAge India, and later transferred to the community. Prior to transfer, it is necessary to build local capacity and strengthen Community Based Organisations viz. Elders Self Help Groups and their collectives.  HelpAge India is currently implementing 20 community based healthcare projects in Himachal Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Leh-Ladakh and Andhra Pradesh.