The Ramashraya wards (geriatric wards and geriatric clinics) started in all the district hospitals on the initiative of CM Bhajan Lal Sharma are proving to be a unique gift of health for the elderly. These wards have emerged as a meaningful medium of public service. So far, about 20 lakh elderly people have benefitted from this humanitarian initiative. This sensitive innovation of the Chief Minister has not only brought health benefits to our elders but has also infused new hope and confidence in their lives. Not only have they got rid of the confusion about treatment, they have also got rid of the difficulty caused by various procedures in hospitals.
It may be recalled that following the directions of CM Bhajan, under the guidance of the Medical Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Khinwsar, Ramashraya wards were started in the district hospitals of the state from March 14, 2024 for proper health care of the elderly and treatment in the hospitals with dignity. It is noteworthy that about 19 lakh 70 thousand elderly people have registered so far to take advantage of this service-oriented innovation of the Rajasthan government.
12.2 lakh lab tests and 27,000 physiotherapy services
Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Smt Gayatri Rathod informed that about 18 lakh elderly people have availed OPD services and more than 1 lakh 5 thousand elderly people have availed IPD services under this innovation launched for the elderly. About 12 lakh 20 thousand lab tests have been done through these wards. Also, physiotherapy facilities have been provided to more than 27 thousand patients.
Each ward has 10 reserved beds, nursing alarm and physiotherapy unit.
In Ramashraya wards, 10 Fowler beds have been reserved. There are 5 rooms for men and 5 for women. Curtains are placed between each wall. Nursing alarm systems have been installed near the beds so that the elderly can call the nursing staff immediately in case of an emergency. There are separate toilets for men and women. Toilets have been installed in these areas. Adequate arrangements have been made for physiotherapists and equipment related to physiotherapy in the ward. These include devices like short wave diathermy, ultrasound therapy, cervical traction, pelvic traction, trans electric nerve stimulators. Wheelchairs, trolleys, medicine cabinets and other necessary furniture have been provided in the ward.
Nodal officer for each ward
A nodal officer has been appointed for each ward. Separate nursing staff and cleaning staff have been deployed to take care of the patients. Specialist services to the elderly during IPD are available in the ward itself. Samples are also being collected from the ward and the report is also being made available on the bed. The list of telephone numbers of all doctors, nursing staff, physiotherapists and other personnel related to the treatment and other arrangements for the elderly has been displayed outside the ward.
Geriatric Clinic for OPD Services-
In government district hospitals and sub-district hospitals, geriatric clinics have been arranged for providing OPD services to the elderly. Also, separate arrangements have been ensured for the elderly at the registration counter, examination counter, medicine distribution centre etc. in the hospitals so that they do not have to stand in queues for a long time and get treatment easily.