Surat doctors help ease elderlies’ journey through sunset years

SURAT: While the world celebrates World Family Doctor Day on Friday, the Diamond City will add another feather to its cap when its Family Physician Association (FPAS) will help replicate its ‘Buzurgo Ka Humsafar’ (BKH) project in eight other cities of the country on the day.
While the importance of a family physician in every household is indisputable, the doctor’s contribution is of immense value, especially during the autumn of life. Realizing this necessity, FPAS, through its programme that was launched in 2012 has been educating senior citizens for better self-care. Today, more than 22,000 elderlies have benefited from family doctors through 143 events.

The Federation of Family Physician Association of India (FFPAI) which has 31 chapters across India will launch this ‘companion of the elderly’ programme countrywide on the occasion. Events for the day will be held in Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore, Ranchi, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Gandhidham besides Surat.
Since the start of the initiative, FPAS teaches elderly people basic medical understanding of monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and sugar levels.

“The major focus of our event is to help people on how to handle retirement better. We help them set their priorities and understand the importance of staying active,” Dr Jayendra Kapadia, BKH coordinator told TOI.
“It is a matter of pride for FPAS that our project is being replicated across the country,” he added.
Sessions are held where the futility of expensive post-funeral formalities, and avoidable expenses incurred on death rituals are discussed along with sharing knowledge about avoiding discontinuation of mediclaim insurance and how to prepare a legal will.
“Another important area that we address is the adult vaccination. We tell them about how important vaccines are even for senior people,” said Dr Deepak Torawala, vice-president, FFPAI. FPAS also organizes medical camps for elderly women where they check for diseases like breast cancer etc.