Rajasthan's Ramashray Ward: Transforming Elderly Healthcare

The Ramashray Ward and OPD facilities in Rajasthan's district hospitals have benefitted nearly 5.5 lakh elderly patients since their launch in March. Designed to streamline care for seniors, these specialized wards offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services, minimizing waiting times and enhancing comfort for elderly patients.

Nearly 5.5 lakh elderly individuals have benefited from the Ramashray Ward and OPD facilities established across district hospitals in Rajasthan. The initiative aims to streamline healthcare services for seniors, according to the state health minister.

Launched on March 14, the facilities have seen over 5.14 lakh elderly patients utilizing outpatient services and more than 32,000 admissions for inpatient care, Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar reported.

''The Ramashray Wards were created with a humanitarian approach to ensure elderly patients do not have to navigate multiple locations for their treatment,'' he said. ''They can access comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services at one place, without the need to stand in long queues or face other inconveniences.''

Shubhra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary - Medical and Health Department, mentioned that this initiative was part of the government's 100-day action plan. She noted the discomfort elderly patients often felt in traditional hospital settings, which led to the creation of these specialized wards.

Each ward features dedicated facilities like fowler beds, nursing alarm systems, separte restrooms with safety grab-bars, and physiotherapy equipment. They also provide essential items such as wheelchairs, trolleys, and medicine cabinets. The wards are managed by a nodal officer and supported by dedicated nursing staff.

Additional features include a list of contact numbers for medical personnel displayed outside the ward and special arrangements at registration, investigation, and medicine distribution counters to minimize waiting times for elderly patients.

(With inputs from agencies.)