Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 16: Yenepoya Medical College Hospital received state award for 'Best Geriatric Care' from the chief minister and a sum of Rs one lac, which will be utilized for the care of elders said Abdulla Kunhi, chancellor, Yenepoya deemed to be university in his presidential address after inaugurating World Elders Day and Mental Health Day at Yenepoya Medical College, Deralakatte, here.
"We must refrain from calling people demented, mental etc and be sensitive toward mentally challenged people calling the disorder neurocognitive disorder," said Dr B P Shelly, professor and HOD Neurology.
"Using the Senior Citizens Act must be the last resort in taking care of our elders," said Udayanand, senior advocate in his talk on Senior Citizens Act, Social Welfare and care of parents. The law provides for various regulations and punishments for not taking proper care of parents, but as the philosophy goes ‘saama, dhaana, bedhaa and last dhanda’ ie dhanda or punishment must be the last resort and children must take care of their parents naturally."
Udayanand clarified many points which Dr Prabha Adhikari raised on withdrawal of money from bank deposits of mentally sick people and the use of thumb print when they cannot sign.
Ramesh Rao, secretary, Senior Citizens Association, explained the various government schemes and facilities available to senior citizens. “It is a rare coming together of the legal department of judges, advocates, social scientists and medical doctors under one roof which elders and medical students must take the benefit of,” said Jerardin D'Souza, founder. Mangalore Alzheimer's Association- MAA, along with Lidwin Lobo of Vishwas Trust, chaired the talk.
The World Elders Day and Mental Health Day was inaugurated by Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, chancellor, Dr Raghuveer, pro vice chancellor, Dr Mohammed Wani, COO, S V Konappa, Asma Kausar, trainee, judges, K Vinutha, Jerardin D'Souza, Dr Prabha Adhikari, Lidwin Lobo, Udayanand, Ramesh Rao and others.
There was a Cognitive Stimulation Programme for elders conducted by Mohanraj, COO Bright HR along with Dr Prabha Adhikari chaired by Loretta Pinto and Dr Santosh Prabhu.
There were many senior citizens from Olavinahalli Seniors’ Organization who sang, performed Yoga and enjoyed the day.
It was a very meaningful and practically useful programme for the elders and the young medical students.