New Delhi: In a significant move towards fostering a comprehensive approach to senior care, NITI Aayog released a position paper titled “Senior Care Reforms in India: Reimagining the Senior Care Paradigm” on February 16, 2024. The report launch, led by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Member (Health) Dr. Vinod K. Paul, CEO B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, and Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) Secretary Saurabh Garg.
Also in attendance were Ms. L. S. Changsan from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Shri Rajib Sen, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, Ms. Monali P. Dhakate from DoSJE, and Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, while unveiling the report, highlighted its significance in India’s journey toward achieving the goal of “Viksit Bharat @2047.” Emphasizing the need for leveraging technology and Artificial Intelligence for senior care, he called for a shift in focus beyond medical and social dimensions to address the special requirements of senior citizens.
Addressing the audience, Member (Health) NITI Aayog Dr. V.K. Paul underscored the importance of discussions on making ageing dignified, safe, and productive. He stressed the necessity of ensuring social security for the elderly with a heightened emphasis on their well-being and care.
CEO, NITI Aayog B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, emphasized the crucial role of family and family values in developing an ecosystem for healthy ageing. He commended the report for providing policy directives for healthy ageing in India.
Secretary DoSJE Saurabh Garg applauded the report as a call to action, emphasizing the need for a greater focus on senior care. He outlined the broad focus of DoSJE, which includes ageing with dignity, ageing at home, and productive ageing, covering social, economic, and health aspects.
The position paper’s recommendations categorize specific interventions in terms of empowerment, service delivery, and inclusion under four core areas: Health, Social, Economic/Financial, and Digital. The report aims to push the boundaries of senior care by recognizing evolving medical and non-medical needs, envisioning a multi-pronged strategy for an effective and synergized senior care policy.
As India continues to evolve, the position paper sets the stage for a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to senior care, ensuring the well-being and dignity of the elderly population in the years to come.