KMC to provide home-based health services to senior citizens above 70

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to provide home-based health services to senior citizens aged above 70 years.

The metropolis will begin conducting health check-ups for chronically ill and disabled senior citizens from next month, according to Deepak KC, Chief of KMC’s Health Department.

Under the program, staff nurses from all 32 Urban Health Promotion Centers will visit the homes of eligible senior citizens to carry out health assessments. The initiative targets those who are unable to visit hospitals or health centers for treatment.

Metropolitan doctor Dr. Diwas Neupane said the program will initially involve home visits by staff nurses, who will assess and report on the physical and mental health conditions of senior citizens.

“If required, doctors will also visit patients’ homes to provide treatment,” he said. “The nurses will conduct general examinations, including checks for high blood pressure and diabetes. Based on these findings, doctors will diagnose illnesses, provide treatment, or arrange referrals to hospitals for further care.”

KC said that staff nurses across all wards have already received training to conduct health examinations for senior citizens. “Following coordination with ward chairpersons and health center in-charges, we will begin door-to-door health check-ups,” he said.

According to KMC, there are approximately 23,000 senior citizens aged above 70 years living within the metropolitan area.