Dehradun: Marking the International Day of Older Persons, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off a free ambulance van dedicated to senior citizens during a state-level celebration held at the Himalayan Cultural Centre, Dehradun. The initiative reflects the state government’s growing focus on elderly welfare and accessible healthcare.
In a gesture of respect and inclusion, CM Dhami also inaugurated a Senior Citizens’ Walkathon Rally, planted a sapling in his mother’s name, and felicitated elderly participants at the event. He further administered the Senior Citizen Honour Pledge, urging society to uphold the dignity and rights of senior citizens.
Free Ambulance Dedicated to Senior Citizens’ Service
The newly flagged-off ambulance van will be dedicated to the healthcare needs of senior citizens, especially for emergency and hospital transportation. This initiative aims to reduce healthcare access gaps for the elderly in remote and urban areas alike.
CM Dhami: ‘Senior Citizens Are the Pillars of Society’
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami said:
“Senior citizens are the pillars of our society. Their blessings and experiences are a guiding light. The state and central governments are fully committed to protecting their dignity, well-being, and health.”
He also extended best wishes to all elderly citizens of Uttarakhand and reaffirmed the government’s holistic approach to elderly care through infrastructure, pensions, health services, and caregiver training.
Highlighting Key Elderly Welfare Schemes
The Chief Minister spotlighted several central and state-run schemes aimed at empowering senior citizens:
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana
- Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana
Old Age Pension Scheme (with pensions for 6 lakh beneficiaries transferred via DBT)
He further emphasized the implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act to legally safeguard the rights of the elderly.
Old Age Homes Being Expanded Across State
CM Dhami shared that existing old age homes in Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi are being further strengthened. In addition:
- New homes are being constructed in Dehradun, Almora, and Champawat
- A Model Old Age Home is coming up in Rudrapur (Udham Singh Nagar) with central support
The process is underway to build homes in Rudraprayag, Tehri, Pauri, and Pithoragarh
Health & Training: Cataract Surgeries, Caregivers, Assistive Devices
Several healthcare initiatives were also announced:
- Target of 1,300 free cataract surgeries for senior citizens this year
- Under the Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana, assistive devices are being distributed to elderly citizens
- Launch of Geriatric Caregiver Training Program, with plans to train 150 master trainers and caregivers
These steps aim to build a trained workforce for elderly care and improve quality of life for older citizens in the state.
