Fortis Hospitals, Kolkata, on Friday introduced a special privileged service “Shradha” for senior citizens on the eve of World Health Day - 2012.
Under this service, senior citizens will be able to avail priority in admission to the hospital, get free diet counselling and get discounts on room rent, pathology, investigations and ambulance charges among others.
According to Ms Richa Debgupta, facility director, Fortis Hospitals, senior citizens can also avail four physician consultations free in a year.
World Health Organisation statistics reveal that older people are the fastest-growing age group worldwide. By 2050, 2 billion people, or nearly one out of every four people, will be older than 60 years.
“As people get older, they are more likely to have mobility difficulties and chronic conditions such as cancer, stroke, depression and dementia. The need of the hour is to create and consider means which can be put in place to respond to the aging population,” Ms Debgupta said.
Under the Shradha service, senior citizens will be entitled to get 10 per cent discount on room rent, radiology and ambulance charges. This apart, they will also get an additional 5 per cent discount on pathology and investigation, she added.
The hospital has also set up a dedicated helpline 033 – 6628 4335 to help senior citizens get immediate medical assistance.