Aasara for senior citizens

Aasara for senior citizens

Special Correspondent

VIJAYAWADA: Distressed senior citizens in need of help can now call 1253, an exclusive helpline introduced for their welfare.

Minister for Secondary Education K. Parthasaradhy on Sunday urged senior citizens to make use of the facility. He was addressing a meeting organised in connection with the inauguration of an Aasara Kendram (shelter) for senior citizens, set up on the premises of CVR High School in Governorpet, by Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. He said the objective of these shelters was to address the needs of senior citizens left uncared for and who were in need of help. He said the elders of the family had a respectful role in the traditional joint families. But the scenario had changed. The elderly lot were not included in the nuclear families and most often, they were left uncared for.

The Government had set up Aasara Kendrams which would not only provide nutritious food to them but also take care of their other needs.

He said a primary health centre would also be attached to these shelters to extend medical facilities to the inmates. A doctor and a couple of ANMs were appointed at these centres. District Collector Peeyush Kumar, Municipal Commissioner G. Ravibabu, Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu, former mayors Tadi Sakuntala, M.V. Ratna Bindu and Mallika Begum and others participated.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/14/stories/2011031454480200.htm