The Government Medical College Hospital, Vellore, has organised a series of events including rally and cultural events at its campus here as part of celebration of International Day of Older Persons on Friday.

According to a press release, this year’s theme was “Ageing with Dignity: Strengthening Care and Support System for Older Persons”. The program commenced with a rally around the campus involving students, including nursing and physician assistant streams. It was followed by a health awareness programme in the outpatient block premises.

The dean of the hospital, Professor S. Muthu Chitra, inaugurated the celebrations and explained the needs of the elderly and the importance of their healthcare. Patients and attendees shared their experiences, praising the quality of care and treatment they received in the Geriatric ward. The concepts of healthy ageing and providing high-quality medical care were amongst the highlights of the orations the elderly gave.

Games and activities were organised in the ward for the elders, and prizes were awarded. A poem recitation by one of the patients received applause. The event concluded with cultural performances by MBBS students and interns.

Bijin Oliver John, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Geriatrics; Professor N. Rathi Thilagam, Medical Superintendent; Professor Gowri Veligandla, Vice-Principal of the medical college; D. Ravichandran, Resident Medical Officer (RMO), and G.M. Geetha, Assistant Resident Medical Officer (ARMO) were present, the release said.