KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to initiate a comprehensive health status survey starting February 1, aimed at providing basic health services directly to the homes of senior citizens aged 70 and above.
The initiative specifically targets elderly residents who require assistance, ensuring they receive necessary medical attention without the need to travel to health facilities.
In preparation for the rollout, nursing staff assigned to conduct the door-to-door visits have completed specialized training. They have been equipped with necessary medical kits, essential medicines, and digital tablets for real-time data collection.
Addressing the health workers, Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol emphasized that this mission transcends regular professional duties and represents a significant humanitarian service. She urged the staff to approach the elderly with empathy and intimacy, fostering a sense of trust while ensuring a comfortable environment for medical check-ups.
Recognizing the shift in social dynamics where many children reside abroad while their parents live in Nepal, Acting Mayor Dangol shared that KMC is developing a telemedicine system. This platform is intended to keep family members informed about the actual health status of their parents, bridging the gap created by migration.
The metropolis aims to send a strong message that the right to basic and emergency health services is being guaranteed for all its senior residents.
The survey prioritizes elderly citizens who are economically disadvantaged or those who lack family support at home. The program is designed to reach those with physical disabilities or chronic illnesses who face significant challenges in visiting regular health institutions. By bringing healthcare to their doorsteps, the KMC hopes to manage chronic conditions more effectively and provide immediate relief.
According to Deepak KC, Chief of the Health Department, the program encompasses medicine management, nutritional counseling, and mental health support. He noted that the initiative also includes the development of a referral system for emergency cases. The comprehensive data collected during this phase will be utilized to formulate realistic budgets and design evidence-based health programs for the metropolis in the future.
The survey is being supported by various medical tools, including blood pressure monitors, glucometers, digital thermometers, and pulse oximeters provided to the visiting teams. Hospital Nursing Inspector and program focal person Kalpana Shrestha stated that the survey would be conducted in close coordination with ward offices and female community health volunteers to ensure maximum reach and effectiveness within the community.
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