Varanasi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on Saturday to review the progress of the upcoming National Centre of Ageing (NCA) ahead of its inauguration. The centre is being developed under the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
CM Inspects Facility
Prof Anup Singh, nodal officer of the NCA, briefed the CM about the project and explained the status of each floor. He informed that the initial phase of operationalisation would commence with 52 beds located on the ground and first floors. The CM inspected the facility and expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing that the remaining finishing work should be completed at the earliest.
Manpower and Equipment Status
Prof Singh also apprised the Chief Minister of the manpower position and the status of equipment and furniture. KC Verma, chief engineer, HITES, informed that the centre is expected to be ready by June 30. BHU Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi was also present during the visit.
Features of the National Centre of Ageing
The NCA is a standalone multidisciplinary facility dedicated to comprehensive healthcare for older persons. It will also serve as a centre for teaching and training in various specialties. Departments including Geriatric Medicine, Anaesthesia, Radiology, Nephrology, and Surgery will provide services at the centre.
Besides 120 general ward beds, the facility will have 38 critical care beds, a day-care unit, dialysis unit, pre- and post-operative rooms, a physiotherapy unit, sleep laboratory, private rooms, radiodiagnostic facilities, and multispecialty OPD services. This will enable comprehensive care for elderly patients under one roof.
CM's Response to Suggestions
During the interaction, Prof Singh requested the CM to promote the establishment of Geriatric Medicine departments in other medical colleges across Uttar Pradesh in addition to BHU. The Chief Minister responded positively to the suggestion and appreciated the importance of strengthening elderly healthcare services in the state.
