Bhubaneswar: With an aim to provide care to elderly persons, the State government launched a multi-activity centre, named as 'Anand' for senior citizens today.
In collaboration with Tata Trusts, the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department (SSEPD) department of Odisha government has developed the centre, which was inaugurated by Minister Prafulla Samal in Bhubaneswar. The project was implemented by HelpAge India.
Tata Trusts (Health) Director, HSD Srinivas and HelpAge India (Age Care) head, Imtiaz Ahmed were also present at the inaugural function.
"Through Anand, we aim to improve the quality of life for our senior citizens and equip them with skills in multiple spheres," Minister Samal said.
It will facilitate happy ageing through recreational and learning activities and provide a platform for socialisation. The facility also aims to encourage member citizens to, in turn, organise medical camps, and provide timely counselling and medical support to senior citizens belonging to BPL families as well, he added.
HSD Srinivas of Tata Trusts, said it is essential that the needs of the senior citizens are looked into, they are treated respectfully and with dignity.
Imtiaz Ahmed said "Through this Centre we aim to provide elders not just means to a healthy living, but also to empower and engage them so that they live happy and independent lives and are not socially isolated."
The centre is a step towards developing Bhubaneswar as an 'age-friendly' city in line with Odisha's Senior Citizens Policy 2016. The MoU between SSEPD department and Tata Trusts was signed in January 2018.
(With Agency inputs)