Leh, Oct 1: The National Helpline 14567 for senior citizens was launched in Ladakh. Operationalised by Helpage India in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GoI and Department of Social & Tribal Welfare, Ladakh, ‘Elderline’ was inaugurated by Commissioner/Secretary, Social & Tribal Welfare Dept, Ladakh, Padma Angmo, along with renowned artist, Morup Namgyal, Dr Rajesh Kumar, State Head Helpage India (H.P & Ladakh) among other dignitaries.
The Elderline aims to connect and engage with senior citizens and serve them in a compassionate manner through the National Helpline No 14567 and provide assistance, information and support to help them live with dignity.
Commissioner/Secretary, Social & Tribal Welfare Dept, Ladakh, Padma Angmo (Chief Guest) congratulated Helpage India and NISD on the launch of Elderline and stated that for making Ladakh a model old age-friendly UT, community participation is critical. She urged for regular coordination and collaboration between the community, NGOs, Volunteers and Social Welfare Deptt and other Departments like Health and Medical Education Department, Higher Education Department and Rural Development Department. Commissioner/Secretary sought the involvement of all stakeholders in formulating the UT policy for Old Age people and stressed the need for a robust survey through the University of Ladakh for getting reliable data related to senior citizens and the issues that they face while formulating the policy. She said that training programmes for geriatric care have been made in the last one year and more such training shall be held for the same in future.
Earlier in a detailed presentation, Dr Rajesh Kumar, State Head (H.P & Ladakh) Helpage India briefed about Elderline and its objectives and how the Helpline is functioning in various states and UT across the country. Talking about the vision of making Ladakh an age-friendly UT, Dr Rajesh Kumar stated that a positive difference in the lives of senior citizens can be made by creating a reliable national helpline that acts as a platform for redressing the grievances of the senior citizens of India, by providing necessary information and intervention through a collective of highly committed partners including Govt Agencies, Non-Profit Organizations, private sector and volunteers. Mental health issues springing from isolation, neglect, poverty and loneliness are issues that are observed among the elderly as per the national data. He spoke about the four important components that are required to make any state or UT age-friendly viz. income security, food security, health security and access to elderly care and security of shelter in the form of State-run old age homes/ Day Care Centres and said that Helpage India would like to work with the UT Administration to make Ladakh among the most elder friendly UT in the country.
Padma Shri Awardee, Morup Namgial who was invited as a special Guest, urged the senior citizens to live with pride, claim their rights, and ask for help without any inhibitions. He exhorted the youth to treat the elderly with compassion and have the empathy to understand that in the circle of life we all will one day be old and must not treat our elders as disposable.
Director, Social and Tribal Welfare Department, Ladakh, Amit Singh Chandel stated that the social fabric of Ladakh is quite strong and the people must strive to keep it intact. He stated that the mandate of Social Dept is to serve the people in all sectors and shall continue to do so.
Manager, Elderline, Ladakh, Dr Abhishek Sharma presented the vote of thanks and urged everyone to spread awareness about this initiative so that everyone can benefit.
The elderline launch event was also attended by, Numberdars/gobas of Shey/Housing Colony; LBA members; staff of Helpage India, media and other concerned officials.
Later in the day, Comm/Secy, Padma Angmo also visited Elders village (Ghantsoskhang) at Shey run by Helpage India Ladakh. She appreciated the layout, winter-friendly construction and design of the dormitories and other buildings and complimented Helpage India for having a beautiful campus to welcome the senior citizens.
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