CARE Hospitals and Aster Hospitals have launched 'Pranaam', a comprehensive elder care initiative aimed at improving healthcare access, continuity of care, and overall wellbeing for senior citizens. 

Introduced across all CARE Hospitals and Aster Hospitals in Telangana, the programme marks the first rollout under Aster DM Quality Care's India II network and will be expanded to other states in phases.

The initiative comes as India's senior citizen population exceeds 150 million, addressing the growing need for age-friendly healthcare beyond hospital treatment. 

Unlike conventional membership programmes focused primarily on financial benefits, Pranaam offers a holistic support ecosystem that includes personalised assistance before, during, and after hospital visits.

The programme provides dedicated elder support services, priority care pathways, caregiver-inclusive consultations, simplified communication, post-discharge follow-up, and access to a dedicated Pranaam helpline. 

It also promotes active ageing through chair yoga, walking groups, hobby clubs, reading circles, health awareness sessions, and community engagement activities. Members will additionally receive benefits on preventive health check-ups, outpatient consultations, inpatient services, and pharmacy services.

The initiative was inaugurated at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, by Dr. Priyanka Ala, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Hyderabad, in the presence of senior leadership from Aster DM Quality Care, healthcare professionals, and senior citizens.

Dr. Pawan Kumar, CEO – India II, Aster DM Quality Care Limited, said the programme reflects the organisation's commitment to making healthcare more compassionate and elder-friendly by ensuring that senior citizens receive guidance, continuity of care, and personalised support throughout their healthcare journey.

Dr. Priyanka Ala said initiatives such as Pranaam complement government efforts to improve the wellbeing of India's ageing population by focusing on dignity, continuity of care, emotional support, and healthy ageing through collaboration between healthcare providers and communities.