Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
In a significant initiative to address the rising incidence of neurological disorders among the elderly, Government medical college and hospital (GMCH) has started a multidisciplinary neuro-geriatric clinic offering comprehensive care under one roof. This is the first such clinic in Maharashtra to be established in a government medical college. Alongside this, a unique initiative to provide health information directly on mobile phones through a QR code has also been introduced.
The clinic, set up at the super speciality hospital in GMCH, was inaugurated on Wednesday by dean Dr Shivaji Sukre. Among those present were officer on special duty Dr Sudhir Chaudhari, Dr Suresh Harbade, former head of the geriatrics department Dr Mangala Borkar, current head Dr Shailaja Rao, head of neurology Dr Makarand Kanjalkar, deputy dean Dr Prabha Khaire, Dr Gayatri Tadwalkar, Dr Prasad Deshpande, Dr Anjali Dahiphale, Dr Ganesh Sapkal, Dr Sadanand Patwari, Dr Wajed Mogal, Dr Rishikesh Deshmukh and matron Sanjeevani Gaikwad. The programme was compered by Dr Mahesh Patil, while Dr Zeba Firdaus proposed the vote of thanks.
How the clinic will benefit patients
The prevalence of brain-related disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and stroke is increasing among senior citizens. This clinic will prove beneficial for patients from Marathwada as well as neighbouring regions, said Dr Shivaji Sukre. Services from geriatric specialists, neurologists, psychiatrists, radiologists, physiotherapists and dieticians will be available under one roof.
Special emphasis will be placed on caregiver counselling, guiding families on how to care for patients effectively. The clinic will operate every Wednesday from 10 am to 1 pm.
Scan QR code for health information
Along with this unique clinic, a QR code-based geriatric health information initiative has also been launched. By scanning the code, users can access simple and easy-to-understand information about common illnesses among the elderly, their symptoms, preventive measures, diet and exercise.
Dr Mahesh Patil took the initiative in developing this QR code system.