Visakhapatnam, Aug 20: Ahead of World Senior Citizen Day, observed on August 21, CARE Hospitals today launched ‘Pranaam’ in Visakhapatnam, a comprehensive elder-care initiative designed to make healthcare more accessible, personalised and reassuring for senior citizens. Going beyond hospital treatment, the programme focuses on continuity of care, preventive health, emotional wellbeing, caregiver support and healthy ageing.
The initiative was formally inaugurated at CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, by the Commissioner of Police, Visakhapatnam, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Shalabh Dang, President – Sales & Marketing, Aster DM Quality Care Limited; G. Sukesh Reddy, Hospital Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam; along with senior doctors, hospital leadership, healthcare professionals, staff and senior citizens.
With India’s senior citizen population crossing 150 million and expected to grow significantly over the coming decade, there is an increasing need to make healthcare systems more responsive to the specific needs of older adults. For many senior citizens, particularly those living alone or dependent on family members and caregivers, navigating hospital visits, investigations, multiple specialist consultations and follow-up appointments can be challenging.
Pranaam has been designed to make this healthcare journey simpler, more comfortable and more supportive.
Unlike conventional healthcare membership programmes that primarily focus on financial benefits, Pranaam is designed as a holistic elder-support ecosystem. The initiative provides dedicated elder support assistance, priority care pathways, caregiver-inclusive consultations, simplified communication, post-visit follow-up support and access to a dedicated Pranaam Helpline.
The programme also encourages active and healthy ageing through activities such as chair yoga, walking groups, hobby and creativity clubs, reading circles, health awareness sessions and community engagement activities. Members will additionally receive benefits on preventive health check programmes, outpatient consultations, inpatient services and pharmacy services, encouraging regular health screening and timely medical care.
Speaking on the occasion, the Dr. Shankhabrata Bagchi, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Visakhapatnam, said,
“Senior citizens have contributed immensely to our families and society, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are treated with care, dignity and respect. As people grow older, they may need greater support, particularly when it comes to their health and day-to-day needs. I am happy to see CARE Hospitals introducing Pranaam in Visakhapatnam to provide dedicated support to senior citizens. Such initiatives can give elderly people and their families greater confidence and reassurance. I appreciate CARE Hospitals for taking this initiative and hope Pranaam will benefit many senior citizens and their families across Visakhapatnam.”
Shalabh Dang, President – Sales & Marketing, Aster DM Quality Care Limited, said,
“For senior citizens, healthcare is not only about seeing a doctor or receiving treatment. They often need someone to guide them, help them navigate the hospital and stay connected with them even after the visit. That is the thinking behind Pranaam. We want to make every interaction with our hospitals simpler, more comfortable and more reassuring for elderly patients and their families. More importantly, Pranaam is not just a programme; we want to embed this approach into the CARE culture, so that respecting, supporting and caring for senior citizens becomes part of how we serve them every day.”
G. Sukesh Reddy, HCOO, CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, said,
“Through Pranaam, we are strengthening our focus on senior citizens by making their healthcare experience simpler, more comfortable and more personalised. We want our elderly patients and their families to know that there is someone to guide and support them at every stage of their healthcare journey. The initiative will also encourage preventive healthcare and active ageing, helping senior citizens lead healthier and more independent lives.”
As part of its long-term vision, CARE Hospitals will continue to strengthen elder-friendly healthcare through improved patient navigation, preventive health programmes, caregiver engagement and community-based wellness activities.
The launch of Pranaam in Visakhapatnam is part of the broader rollout of the initiative across the India II network of CARE Hospitals and Aster Hospitals. By bringing together personalised healthcare assistance, preventive care, caregiver participation and community engagement, Pranaam aims to help senior citizens lead healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives while ensuring they receive quality medical care with dignity, reassurance and respect.