146th WHO EB Agenda Item 17: Decade of Healthy Ageing – Delivered by Dr. Sadre Alam, First Secretary
Thank you Mr. Chair,
Fully conscious of the issues and challenges of the increasing number of the elderly, we are implementing our National Programme for Health Care of Elderly with the objective of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated care services to the ageing population; fostering an enabling environment for "a Society for all Ages"; and promoting the concept of Active and Healthy Ageing.
India’s National Policy for elderly people aims to strengthen their legitimate place in society and help them to live the last phase of their lives with purpose, dignity and in peace. Comprehensive primary health care services are provided to the elderly through district hospitals and sub-district health facilities and tertiary care services through 19 Regional Geriatric Centres. At the apex level, two National Centres for Ageing are being set up which will be operationalized soon.
Mr. Chair,
We firmly believe that health promotion, including integrated health care, life style modification, long-term care, age-friendly environments and improving monitoring, evaluation and research on healthy ageing are critical to addressing the challenge of healthy ageing. Steps have therefore been taken to promote physical activities, healthy eating, combat ageism and develop human resources through short and long term training. We are also in the process of developing a framework for multi-sectoral engagement in healthy ageing, for implementation during the decade of healthy ageing 2020-2030.
Mr. Chair,
Ageing population is a global phenomenon and there is a need for greater global efforts as well as sharing of experience.
Thank you.
