SAL Institute Launches “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” Campaign in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, June 18
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, and as part of the nationwide public awareness campaign, SAL Institute of Medical Sciences has launched a unique healthcare initiative titled “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” under its Yoga Awareness Week. The campaign aims to inspire future doctors with a message of dedicated service towards the care and well-being of elderly citizens.
Keeping in view the growing health concerns among senior citizens, the Department of Community Medicine has provided special training to second-year MBBS students to identify and assess common health problems prevalent among the elderly population. Through this initiative, the institute seeks to integrate medical education with community service and motivate senior citizens in Ahmedabad towards healthy ageing.
CEO Dr. Nitin Shah and Dean Dr. Jayendra Singh Jadeja stated that the institution is making effective efforts to ensure an elderly-friendly environment and improved healthcare services for senior citizens. Along with providing healthcare services, the program will also help students develop empathy, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the challenges associated with ageing through direct interaction with elderly individuals.
Experts believe that such community-based experiences play a significant role in shaping socially responsible and competent healthcare professionals. Therefore, MBBS students have been actively involved in this campaign. The initiative is expected to benefit numerous senior citizens by providing health guidance and support.
As the elderly population in the country continues to grow, ageing brings several challenges such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, memory-related disorders, depression, malnutrition, visual and hearing impairments, reduced mobility, and social isolation. In such circumstances, senior citizens, especially those living away from their families, often face difficulties in accessing timely healthcare services. Keeping these challenges in mind, SAL Institute has initiated a student-led community service program aimed at the early detection of health issues and ensuring timely treatment support.
The training program is being conducted by Dr. Harsh Patel, Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Medicine, under the guidance of the Additional Dean and other faculty members of the department. Students participating in the campaign have been clearly instructed to assess not only physical ailments but also the social, mental, nutritional, and functional health status of elderly individuals.
Students who have shown special interest and active participation in the campaign include Banker Yatri, Afshan Alam, Preetika Chandawat, Trishala Bhandari, and Riddhima Garg. They have enthusiastically contributed to both the training and community outreach activities.
The campaign focuses on several key areas, including physical health and chronic diseases, independence in daily activities, mental health and cognitive abilities, nutritional status, risk of falls and physical frailty, as well as social and emotional support systems.
As part of the initiative, students of the institute will soon visit old-age homes where, under the supervision of faculty members, trained medical students will conduct health assessments, identify potential health concerns, spread awareness about healthy living, and facilitate appropriate healthcare guidance and referral services.
This program not only aims to address emerging public health challenges but also seeks to prepare future healthcare professionals to understand their responsibilities towards society and deliver dedicated services. Mentors at SAL Institute believe that when young medical students step beyond classrooms and engage directly with society, they contribute to building a future where senior citizens receive respect, care, and quality healthcare services.
Understanding its responsibilities towards the nation, the state, and society, SAL Institute is conducting various awareness activities on the occasion of International Yoga Day. The ongoing “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” campaign conveys the important message that elderly care should not remain limited to medical treatment alone; it should also involve understanding their needs and reaching out to them with compassion and support.
SAL Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmedabad, is not only training future doctors but also instilling in them the values of social service and compassionate care for the elderly. This is both the need of the hour and a collective responsibility. The institution’s leadership continues to work in accordance with its duties and responsibilities towards the nation and society, while the campaign itself is providing a positive and inspiring message to students as well.
