Delhi's Safdarjung hospital opens geriatric ward with 17 beds for elderly care​​

NEW DELHI: A new geriatric care ward with 17 dedicated beds for elderly patients was inaugurated at Safdarjung hospital in New Delhi on Tuesday.
This is the second dedicated facility in govt hospitals, following the Department of Geriatric Medicine at AIIMS, which was upgraded to the National Centre for Geriatrics last year.
According to officials at Safdarjung hospital, the ward offers specialised treatments for age-related conditions, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and mental health support.
Dr. Vandana Talwar, Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung hospital, stated, "With India's elderly population growing rapidly, this specialised facility will play a crucial role in addressing their unique medical needs.”
Dr. Y. C. Porwal, Head of the Medicine Department, emphasised, "Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that addresses not just the physical ailments but also the emotional and social needs of our elderly patients. This ward represents our commitment to holistic geriatric care."
The ward features senior-friendly infrastructure, including non-slip flooring, handrails, and easily accessible emergency call systems.
It is equipped with medical technology and staffed by experienced geriatricians, nurses, and support staff trained in elder care. This unit is the second dedicated geriatric care facility in Delhi, marking a significant advancement in specialised elderly care for the region.
Dr. Ashwani, In-charge of the Geriatric Unit, highlighted the importance of the new ward, stating, "It represents a major step forward in providing specialised care for our elderly population, addressing a critical need in our healthcare system."
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several guests, including Additional Medical Superintendent Dr. P. S. Bhatia, Dr. Kapil Suri, and Dr. R. P. Arora, HODs from various departments, faculty, and staff.
India is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with the elderly population expected to surge in the coming decades.
Despite having the world's largest youth population, the country is grappling with the challenges of rapid ageing. Reports indicate that the present count of 153 million individuals aged 60 and above is projected to soar to an astonishing 347 million by the year 2050.