Rights panel chief inspects old-age home in Rewari

Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra, a former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, conducted a surprise inspection of the Home for Aged and Destitute (Old-age home) at Model Town here and reviewed facilities available there.

During his visit, he checked the living conditions, healthcare services, food quality, cleanliness and other essential amenities provided to elderly residents. He also interacted with 15 residents of the home (11 men and four women) and inquired about their well-being.

While inspecting the premises, Batra directed officials concerned to carry out necessary repair works in the building. He instructed the Municipal Commissioner to ensure timely renovation of the park located within the old-age home premises. The District Social Welfare Officer was instructed to deploy security personnel, sanitation and adequate supporting staff at the old-age home.

Batra emphasised that elderly persons were physically and mentally weak, and their greatest suffering was loneliness. Hence senior citizens should not be alienated from society, but instead be treated as an integral part of it, making them feel that “We are with them and they are not alone”, he said.

He also directed the Civil Surgeon to ensure that a medical officer visits the old age home at least once a week to conducts health check-ups of elderly residents. He further instructed that specialist doctors should also visit the home periodically to provide appropriate consultation and medicines. A roster should be prepared by the Health Department assigning specific responsibilities to doctors, he said. Additionally, the availability of an ambulance during emergencies should be ensured without delay, he said.