Ahead of World Senior Citizen Day on August 21, CARE Hospitals has launched ‘Pranaam’ in Visakhapatnam, a comprehensive elder-care initiative aimed at making healthcare more accessible, personalised and supportive for senior citizens.

The programme was inaugurated at CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Dr. Shankhabrata Bagchi, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Visakhapatnam, along with healthcare leaders, senior doctors, hospital staff and senior citizens.

Designed as a holistic elder-support ecosystem, Pranaam goes beyond conventional healthcare membership programmes by focusing on continuity of care, preventive health, emotional wellbeing, caregiver support and active ageing.

The initiative offers senior citizens dedicated support assistance, priority care pathways, caregiver-inclusive consultations, simplified communication, post-visit follow-up and a dedicated Pranaam Helpline. 

Members will also receive benefits on preventive health check-ups, outpatient and inpatient services and pharmacy services.

The programme encourages healthy and active ageing through chair yoga, walking groups, hobby and creativity clubs, reading circles, health awareness programmes and community engagement activities.

Shalabh Dang, President – Sales & Marketing, Aster DM Quality Care Limited, said Pranaam is designed to make every interaction with the healthcare system simpler and more reassuring for elderly patients and their families, while embedding greater focus on senior-friendly care into the CARE culture.

G. Sukesh Reddy, Hospital Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, said the initiative aims to provide senior citizens with guidance and support throughout their healthcare journey while promoting preventive care and greater independence.

The launch comes as India’s senior citizen population continues to grow, highlighting the need for healthcare systems that address not only medical needs but also the social, emotional and practical challenges associated with ageing.