PUNE, May 11: A national policy for elderly citizens is being formulated by the Centre, informed Maj Gen S S Sandhu, new director general of HELPAGE India, here today.

He was addressing a press conference during his first visit to Pune after taking charge from Maj Gen Pannu in April 1997. The basic framework of the policy is ready and the experts are analysing the recommendations made by Helpage India, he said; adding that the main emphasis in the policy will be on medical assistance to senior citizens of the country.

``They have performed their duties towards the nation and now it is our responsibility to look after them. We have made recommendations that there should be geriatric clinics and wards in every hospital around the country. These wards would specially look after the welfare and medical assistance offered to the senior citizens,'' said Gen Sandhu.

He praised Maharashtra Chief Minister's stance that the elderly citizens should be looked after by their children.

He informed media about the organisation's activities in Maharashtra. ``We have undertaken projects like old-age homes, day-care centres for senior citizens, ambulance services, performing cataract operations in the State,'' said Sandhu. Citing statistics, he said that among the 65 million elderly citizens in India, 98 per cent are illiterate, seventy per cent live in rural areas and about 40 per cent are living below poverty line.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.