Vayomithram project: What are its benefits?

The Kerala government is considering extending the famed Vayomithram project, launched by the Kerala State Social Security Mission for senior citizens aged 65 and above residing in urban areas, to panchayats as well. Besides, the government may also consider reducing the age limit for beneficiaries from 65 to 60 years, soon. Discussions regarding these are already progressing. The Department of Social Security's mission stated that the authorities are studying it and that a final decision hasn’t been taken yet.

Justice Alexander Thomas, chairperson of the state Human Rights Commission, recently ordered the implementation of the Vayomithram project in all panchayats in the state and the reduction of the age limit for beneficiaries. The commission had instructed the secretary of the local self-government department to implement these. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Social Security Mission is also considering the Human Rights Commission's order while discussing the proposal's feasibility. Currently, senior citizens aged 65 and above residing within the limits of the corporation/municipality are eligible to receive free services under the Vayomithram project. Extending the project to the panchayats and reducing the age limit will benefit hundreds of elderly people.

Benefits of Vayomithram
1)Free mobile clinic service, counselling, medical treatment and medicines are provided to elderly people above 65 years.
2)Palliative care services offered at the homes of bedridden patients.
3)Free ambulance service for taking elderly people to the hospital and back.
4)Helpdesks for elderly people

Project implemented in 91 cities
Vayomithram project has been successfully implemented in 91 corporations/municipalities as well as four block panchayats in the state. The project also organises various programs for the elderly's leisure, such as tours and observances on various days, and conducts speciality medical camps. The Kerala State Social Security Mission stated that the project aims to build communities for the elderly in the urban areas with public cooperation.

Ormathoni
The government also envisages launching the Ormathoni project, which provides memory screenings for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients through the social security mission. Alzheimer’s and dementia patients would be identified from the elderly people who are already beneficiaries of the Vayomithram project.

The state government has received the central government’s Vayoshreshta Samman award twice for successfully implementing various projects for the well-being of the elderly, including the Vayomithram project. To know more about the Vayomithram project, call toll-free helpline number 1800 120 1001.