Family Clinics for Senior Citizens

Family Physician

About half a century ago, in mid fifties, the concept of Family Physician was prevalent. The Family Physician took care of health problems of all members of a family. In many cases his patients extended to more than one generation. He knew all about the individuals and their conditions, afflictions, allergies, preferences, medicines they respond to etc. He was also the person to recommend specialists for further consultation. He was a family friend. Paying house visits to look up his patients always involved inquiring about the welfare of other members too. The Village postman and the FP were both loved but the latter was perhaps more respected and revered. He is nowhere to be seen now. It is high time we revive this concept.

Senior Citizens and their health care needs

Senior Citizens suffer from series of health problems. Their immune system slows down and repair mechanisms are deficient. They have no money to spend on their health or medicines. They are careless about preventive check ups. They medicate themselves audaciously. They don’t trust doctors. Some are excessively concerned about their health. Hospitalization for surgeries or treatment makes them paupers. They do not have any medical insurance. No support from pre-retirement employers is available. And they are a sizable number – 8% of Indian population. They ultimately suffer in the long run, without anyone to care – be it the relatives, neighbors, government, NGOs, Hospitals, Doctors or Insurers. This situation must change.

Family Clinic

IRDA set up a committee for studying health insurance problems of senior citizens. In its report submitted by KS Sastry, setting up of Family Clinics is one of the recommendations.

Family Clinic is a nearby Health center that is manned by one or two General Practitioners. FC takes care of all primary needs of healthcare for the entire families in the neighborhood including senior citizens. It will have out patient section. FC provides all basic diagnostic measures.  It maintains the health record of individuals. It acts as a referral center for complicated cases for specialist consultations. FC advices people on medical insurance requirements. Right from recommending a suitable policy, conducting diagnostic tests for policy acceptance, claims facilitation etc are taken care of by this unit. These are intended to fill the void created by the disappearance of erstwhile Family Physicians.

Establishing Family Clinics offers a number of advantages. Senior citizens could be put under constant monitoring and advice. Repetitive tests may be avoided. Complete medical history will become available. First level consultations become extremely affordable. Preventive and maintenance measures can be put in place. Funding of such clinics could be from multiple sources. Individuals themselves can pay an annual fee. Government could bear the cost in respect of members from BPL families.

Will the new Congress government, that has come back to power with a thumping majority, listen?