Senior citizens in rural areas facing healthcare crisis

Dr Simarpreet Sandhu, General Secretary of the Asian Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Chairperson of FICCI FLO, shares her views on the urgent need for addressing the healthcare crisis faced by elderly individuals

Advertisement

A silent crisis is unfolding in rural areas, where the elderly are struggling to access basic healthcare. Left behind by migrating families and neglected by an overburdened healthcare system, rural elders are battling chronic illnesses, frailty, and loneliness with little to no support.

Despite advancements in urban healthcare, rural elders remain largely invisible. They face chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis, often undiagnosed due to inadequate healthcare access. Poor nutrition, low awareness, and limited medical intervention exacerbate their situation.

The absence of specialised geriatric care, financial constraints, and mobility issues leave many elderly individuals without proper treatment. As a result, they are forced to rely on ineffective home remedies or unqualified practitioners. Mental health is also a significant concern, with loneliness and depression prevalent among rural elders.

Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s often go unrecognised, further adding to the emotional toll on the elderly. Financial insecurity severely limits their access to medical care, making treatment a luxury that many cannot afford.

Transforming geriatric care in rural areas is essential. A large segment of the elderly population lacks access to basic services such as eyeglasses, cataract surgeries, and routine medical checks. Furthermore, services like diabetes check-ups, ECGs, blood pressure checks, and expert consultations are largely unavailable, contributing to the worsening of chronic conditions.

Meaningful change requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening geriatric services, leveraging telemedicine, and deploying mobile health units to reach remote areas. Awareness initiatives, financial aid programmes, and policy-level interventions must collaborate to support the aging population.

The time for action is now. By uniting government bodies, healthcare providers, and community organisations, we can ensure that aging in rural areas is no longer synonymous with neglect.

To address this crisis, the government must prioritise the development of geriatric care infrastructure in rural areas. This includes establishing specialised geriatric care centres, training healthcare professionals in geriatric care, and promoting awareness about the importance of elderly care.

Additionally, community-based initiatives can play a crucial role in supporting rural elders. Volunteer programs, support groups, and community-based care services can help address the social and emotional needs of elderly individuals in rural areas.

Ultimately, addressing the healthcare crisis faced by Punjab’s rural elderly requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders.