Ayush Ministry and Social Justice Department Join Forces to Enhance Elderly Healthcare and Tackle Substance Abuse

Synopsis

On February 12, the Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment signed a MoU in New Delhi to improve senior citizens' welfare and address substance abuse. This collaboration aims to implement Ayush interventions for geriatric healthcare and create a healthier, inclusive society.

Key Takeaways

MoU signed between Ayush and DoSJE.
Focus on geriatric healthcare and substance abuse.
Awareness and capacity-building initiatives.
Research in geriatric health and addiction.
Development of elderly-specific training modules.

New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) formalized a collaboration on Wednesday in the national capital by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the welfare of senior citizens and tackling the pressing issue of substance abuse.

This strategic alliance intends to leverage Ayush-based interventions to advance geriatric healthcare and mitigate substance misuse.

As part of the MoU, both Ministries have pledged to collaborate on a range of initiatives, which include awareness campaigns, capacity building for service providers, and the formation of geriatric health and de-addiction units under Ayush autonomous bodies.

According to Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush, "Geriatric healthcare and substance abuse are critical areas that require special focus, especially as we face an ageing population and growing concerns around addiction. This collaboration between the Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment represents a significant step towards addressing these challenges. By leveraging the holistic approach of Ayush systems alongside social welfare initiatives, we aim to empower our senior citizens and those affected by substance abuse."

Shri B L Verma, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, emphasized the creation of "elderly-specific training modules, treatment protocols, yoga training programmes, sharing of preventive and curative practices, etc., under the MoU."

He further stated, "These programmes will go a long way in enabling our senior citizens to lead a healthy life."

The primary goals include fostering cooperation, convergence, and synergy between the Ministry of Ayush and DoSJE to promote innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of senior citizens, decreasing the demand for drugs, addressing substance abuse, and supporting mental rehabilitation.

Additionally, the MoU will stimulate research in the fields of geriatric health, substance abuse, and mental health, focusing on the therapeutic benefits of traditional healthcare practices.

This MoU signifies a crucial milestone in India’s healthcare evolution, merging the strengths of both Ayush systems and social justice initiatives to cultivate a healthier and more inclusive society.