BHU to Expand Geriatric Medicine Program with New National Centre of Ageing

The Institute of Medical Sciences at Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU) in Varanasi is advancing the construction of the National Centre of Ageing (NCA), a 200-bed facility dedicated to geriatric care. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare services for the elderly in eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighboring regions.

Foundation and Construction Progress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the NCA in February 2024. By September 2024, approximately 10% of the construction had been completed, with the project expected to be finalized by September 2025. 

The NCA is being constructed on a 2,045-square-meter area adjacent to the Super Specialty Block of Sir Sunderlal Hospital, IMS-BHU, facilitating seamless referrals for elderly patients to other specialized departments. Construction activity started at the end of June 2024 after HLL Infra Tech Services Ltd was chosen as the Project Management Consultant for the establishment of the NCA. 1/3^rd of the construction of the National Centre of Ageing is almost complete. This 200-bed facility for geriatrics will be a blessing for elderly patients.

Facilities and Services

The NCA is designed to provide comprehensive services tailored to the needs of elderly patients, including:

• Outpatient Department (OPD): Featuring 14 doctors' chambers to accommodate daily patient visits.

• Inpatient Services: Comprising private and general wards, intensive care units, and operation theaters.

• Rehabilitation and Wellness: Offering physiotherapy, yoga, meditation, and a research laboratory.

These facilities aim to enhance the quality of care and reduce waiting times for elderly patients.

The National Centre of Ageing (NCA) is a key tertiary care component under the National Program for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) and is guided by operational guidelines formulated for the Department of Geriatric Medicine by NPHCE, MOHFW to maintain uniformity.

Significance for the Region

The NCA at IMS-BHU will be the third such center in India, following those at AIIMS Delhi and Madras Medical College, Chennai. It is poised to become a center of excellence for geriatric care, offering specialized tertiary services and serving as a hub for training and capacity building in geriatric medicine. This development is expected to significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes for the elderly population in eastern Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas. 

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sampath Priya Baandhavi/MSM)