Khaki rendering yeoman service to senior citizens

Amit Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5

From providing medicines and ration to getting their wheelchairs fixed and taking them for a health check-up, the UT police have come to the service of senior citizens in all possible ways during the lockdown.

Understanding the need for keeping in touch with the elderly, especially when there are restrictions in the city, police personnel started making calls through the control room on March 31 and till April 5, 4,480 senior citizens were called up of whom 2,328 attended their calls. The police said 105 of them sought police assistance.

UT SSP Nilambari Jagdale said senior citizens had sought help for delivering medicines, ration, vegetables and fruits. “A Sector 21 resident also asked to get her wheelchair repaired,” the SSP said.

She said the SHOs concerned were being apprised of the need and they were doing the needful on priority.

The police said a few senior citizens were also taken for a check-up to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, besides banks and ATMs to withdraw money. “We will continue providing assistance to them in future as well,” the SSP said.

“We are taking special care of senior citizens who are staying alone,” the police official said.

The police are also making calls to pregnant women to ensure their well-being. “Those in need can call the emergency number 112 for assistance and we will send our team for help,” said a police official.