PG Geriatrics to begin at Government Medical College Aurangabad

Aurangabad: The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), has been granted the Medical Council of India’s consent to run a 3 seat postgraduate (PG) course in Geriatrics, from May 2018. The consent has been given keeping in view that one-sixth of the total patient population coming to the hospital is older than 60 years. Therefore, there has to be a dedicated department to take care of such patients, feels Mangala Borkar, Head, Geriatric Department

"Just like we have a neo-natal department for babies, the elderly need a separate department too," she told the TOI

"The geriatrics department works in coordination with other departments like ophthalmology, orthopaedics and physiotherapy. However, geriatric care doesn't merely mean clinical assistance. It also includes preventive care, counselling, taking proper care, providing psychosocial support, recovery after a heart attack and other major health issues, " the Head further told the daily.

The department started its operations in March this year. It now examines 80-100 outpatients on an everyday basis, thereby, decreasing the load on the General Outpatient Department (OPD).

According to Ms.Borkar, the department did not entail any extra costs at the time of its starting. Next year will see it receiving funds to ensure nurses, and other staff, along with two associate professors, a lecturer, one senior resident, and three residents for PG course, and a dedicated 30-bed ward in the running.

The college’s department also caters to the elderly residing in other districts through medical camps.

"We have seen 400-500 outpatients in each medical camps conducted at Faizpur, Pathora, Ralegan Siddhi and Sindhudurg. Camps are also held at old age homes and at the hospital on occasions like women's day and diabetes day," the department head added.