Health Survey of Senior Citizens in Kathmandu Reveals Urgent Care Needs

Kathmandu. A health status survey of 452 senior citizens conducted by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) found that 11 individuals required immediate hospitalization. The KMC informed that this situation emerged during the health survey of senior citizens aged 70 and above, which commenced on Magh 18.

Similarly, 208 individuals were found to require regular monitoring, informed Kalpana Shrestha, the program's 'focal person' and Hospital Nursing Inspector. The survey is being conducted based on 84 questionnaires. Through this, it was revealed that 82 senior citizens are in a difficult situation regarding medical treatment due to weak economic conditions, and 192 senior citizens were found to be uninsured, she stated.

According to Shrestha, the surveyed senior citizens have been classified into green, yellow, and red 'zones'. The green zone signifies a safe condition. Senior citizens in this zone do not require much monitoring and care. Patients in the yellow zone require monitoring and care from doctors, health workers, and family. Senior citizens who need immediate hospitalization are placed in the red zone. Such senior citizens have started being 'referred' to the nearest health facility immediately, according to Shrestha.

Focal Person Shrestha further informed that out of the 452 senior citizens included in the data—423 women and 150 men—423 are living with their families. The survey examines physical and mental health, family, and social status. They check subjects such as the medicines they use regularly, their medication schedule, and any sudden changes in weight.

Health worker teams have been mobilized in all wards for the health status survey of senior citizens. Teams have been mobilized to collect facts and conduct health checks to make the program, which aims to provide basic health services at home to senior citizens above seventy years who cannot visit health facilities for treatment, reality-based.

The treatment and survey were initiated with the goal of providing home-based services, prioritizing senior citizens.