Hyderabad, July 30: Responding to the growing healthcare needs of India’s ageing population, Aster Hospitals and CARE Hospitals on Thursday launched ‘Pranaam’, a comprehensive elder-care initiative aimed at providing personalised medical support, caregiver assistance and community-based wellness for senior citizens.
The programme was inaugurated at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, by Hyderabad Collector and District Magistrate Dr. Priyanka Ala, IAS, in the presence of Dr. Pawan Kumar, CEO – India II, Aster DM Quality Care Limited, along with senior leadership, doctors and healthcare professionals.
Launched across all Aster and CARE Hospitals in Telangana, Pranaam marks the first state-wide rollout of the initiative under the Aster DM Quality Care India II network. The programme will be expanded to other India II states in phases.
With India’s senior citizen population already exceeding 150 million and expected to rise significantly over the next decade, the initiative aims to address challenges that many elderly people face while accessing healthcare. Hospital visits often involve navigating multiple departments, undergoing investigations, attending follow-up appointments and managing chronic illnesses—tasks that can become overwhelming, particularly for those living alone or dependent on caregivers.
Pranaam seeks to bridge these gaps by offering dedicated elder support, priority care pathways, caregiver-inclusive consultations, simplified communication, post-discharge follow-up and a dedicated helpline for senior citizens.
The programme also goes beyond hospital care by promoting healthy ageing through chair yoga sessions, walking groups, reading circles, hobby clubs, health awareness programmes and community engagement activities. Members will also receive benefits on preventive health check-ups, outpatient consultations, inpatient treatment and pharmacy services.
Launching the initiative, Dr. Pawan Kumar said healthcare for senior citizens should extend beyond treatment alone.
“As people age, they need more than excellent medical treatment. They need reassurance, guidance, continuity and someone who understands their journey. Through Pranaam, we aim to make every Aster and CARE Hospital across our India II network more elder-friendly,” he said.
Chief Guest Dr. Priyanka Ala, IAS, said India needs healthcare systems that are not only clinically advanced but also compassionate and accessible as the elderly population continues to grow. She noted that initiatives like Pranaam complement government efforts by promoting dignity, emotional wellbeing and continuity of care for senior citizens.
Speaking at the event, Narsimha Raju Dichpally, Vice District Governor, Lions Clubs International, said programmes like Pranaam create an ecosystem where elderly citizens feel valued, connected and cared for beyond medical treatment.
Healthcare experts believe initiatives such as Pranaam reflect a changing approach to elder care in India, where hospitals are increasingly focusing on patient navigation, preventive healthcare, caregiver support and social wellbeing alongside clinical treatment. As the country’s ageing population continues to grow, such models are expected to play a crucial role in making healthcare more senior-friendly and improving the quality of life for older adults.