Bedside testing, sample collection
Ramashray wards have provided not only treatment but also respect, trust and mental peace to the elderly. There is no longer any compulsion to make repeated trips to hospitals for treatment. With tests, sample collection and reports being available at the bedside, the elderly have become relieved and have got relief from the complex procedures of hospitals. Following the instructions of the Chief Minister, under the guidance of Medical Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, Ramashray wards were inaugurated in the district hospitals of the state from March 14, 2024. The objective of this initiative has been to provide dedicated, accessible and respectful health services to the elderly, which is clearly visible in practice today.
32 lakhs got registered
Principal Secretary of Medical and Health Department, Gayatri Rathore said that till now about 32 lakh elderly people have registered in Ramashray wards. Of these, about 30 lakh elderly people have availed OPD services, while about 2 lakh elderly people have been provided IPD services. About 18 lakh lab tests have been done through these wards. Apart from this, more than 44 thousand patients have been provided physiotherapy facilities and more than 8 thousand elderly people have been referred for high level treatment.
Special wards with modern services
Ramashray wards have been designed according to the needs of the elderly. 10 Fowler beds are reserved in each ward, in which equal arrangements have been made for male and female patients. Curtains are installed between each bed and a nursing alarm system is available in case of emergencies. Separate toilets have been built for male and female patients, which also include assistive facilities like grab-bars. Proper arrangements for physiotherapy have been made in these wards. Modern equipment like short wave diathermy, ultrasound therapy, cervical and pelvic traction and trans electric nerve stimulator have been made available. Along with this, arrangements for wheelchair, trolley, medicine cabinet and other necessary furniture have also been made.
Nodal Officer and dedicated staff
A nodal officer has been appointed for each Ramashray ward, who coordinates all the arrangements of the ward. Separate nursing staff and cleaning personnel have been deployed to take care of the patients. Specialist services are being provided to the elderly admitted in IPD in the ward itself. Samples for testing are collected from the ward itself and reports are also made available at the bedside.
Geriatric Clinic for OPD
Special arrangements have been made for geriatric clinics for the elderly in government district and sub-district hospitals. Apart from this, separate facilities have also been ensured for the elderly at registration counters, testing counters and medicine distribution centres, so that they do not have to stand in long queues and can get treatment easily.
A living example of sensitive governance
Today, Ramashray Ward has become not just a health scheme but a symbol of the government’s sensitivity and social responsibility towards the elderly. This initiative proves that when compassion is integrated into policy, its benefits reach the most experienced section of the society with dignity.
