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Key Points

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked International Day of Older Persons by launching a free ambulance service specifically for senior citizens. He emphasized that elderly citizens form the foundation of society and deserve proper care and respect. The state government is actively expanding old age homes across multiple districts while ensuring pension benefits reach nearly six lakh beneficiaries directly. Various health initiatives including free cataract surgeries and caregiver training programs are being implemented to support the elderly population.

Key Points: Pushkar Singh Dhami Flags Off Free Senior Citizens Ambulance Van

  • CM Dhami launched free ambulance service dedicated to senior citizens' healthcare needs
  • Six lakh elderly beneficiaries receive pensions through direct bank transfers
  • Government expanding old age homes across multiple districts including Dehradun and Almora
  • Target set for 1300 free cataract surgeries for elderly citizens this year
  • Geriatric caregiver training program aims to train 150 specialists
  • Assistive devices being provided to seniors under Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana
2 min read

Uttarakhand CM flags off free ambulance van dedicated to senior citizens on International Day of Older Persons

Uttarakhand CM launches dedicated ambulance service for elderly on International Day of Older Persons, highlights pension schemes and old age home expansions

"Senior citizens are the pillars of our society, whose blessings and experience serve as a guiding light for all - Pushkar Singh Dhami"

Dehradun, October 1

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday attended the state-level program organised at the Himalayan Cultural Centre, Dehradun, on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons where he flagged off a free ambulance van dedicated to the service of senior citizens, as well as a senior citizens' walkathon rally.

He extended his best wishes to all senior citizens of the state on this special day. On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated elderly citizens and administered the "Senior Citizen Honour Pledge." He also planted a sapling in his mother's name as part of the event.

Addressing the gathering, he said that senior citizens are the pillars of our society, whose blessings and experience serve as a guiding light for all. He emphasised that both the state and central governments are making continuous efforts to ensure the dignity, security, health, and welfare of the elderly through various schemes. He highlighted several welfare initiatives, including the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana, and the Old Age Pension Scheme. He informed that pension amounts are being directly transferred to the bank accounts of nearly six lakh elderly beneficiaries in the state through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

The Chief Minister further stated that the infrastructure and facilities at old age homes across the state are being continuously strengthened. Government-run old age homes are already operational in Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi districts, while new buildings are under construction in Dehradun, Almora, and Champawat. With the support of the central government, a model old-age home is also being built in Rudrapur, Udham Singh Nagar. The process to establish old age homes in Rudraprayag, Tehri, Pauri, and Pithoragarh districts is also underway.

He added that under the Geriatric Caregiver Training Program, specialists are being trained to take care of senior citizens. The state aims to train 150 master trainers and caregivers this year.

Under the Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana, assistive devices are being provided to senior citizens. A target has been set to conduct free cataract surgeries for 1,300 elderly individuals this year. The Chief Minister also highlighted that the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act has been implemented in the state to safeguard the rights of senior citizens.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Finally some focus on senior citizens! In our culture, we always respect our elders but practical support like this ambulance service is what really matters. Hope they expand this to all districts soon.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the gesture, I hope this isn't just a one-time photo opportunity. We need consistent implementation and proper maintenance of these services. The real test will be how well these ambulances function in remote hilly areas.
A
Arjun K
The geriatric caregiver training program is much needed! Many families struggle to find trained professionals to care for elderly members. This will create employment opportunities too. Win-win situation! 👍
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Nisha Z
Direct benefit transfer for pensions is excellent! No more middlemen or delays. My father receives his pension on time every month now. Small steps but they make a big difference in senior citizens' lives.
M
Michael C
Good to see comprehensive elderly care being addressed - from ambulances to old age homes to cataract surgeries. Uttarakhand is setting a good example for other states to follow in senior citizen welfare.

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