Punjab: Free medical camp for senior citizens from January 16
Punjab: The Punjab government has announced special camps starting January 16th as part of its state-wide campaign, “Saade Buzurg, Saada Maan.” Addressing a press conference in SAS Nagar, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur said the plan includes free medical camps, dementia screenings, training for elderly caregivers, eye check-ups, spectacles, ENT check-ups, and cataract surgery screenings. Additionally, pension forms, senior citizen cards, and Ayushman card formalities will also be provided. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to ensure the well-being, security, and dignified lives of senior citizens under a program launched in 2023. “A total of 20,110 registrations were received then. Continuing this initiative, the campaign will be relaunched in 2026 through district-wise camps across the state. Legal assistance will also be provided to the elderly, as it has been observed that they often become embroiled in family property disputes or other domestic conflicts,” he said. Under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, legal provisions have been enacted to protect the rights of senior citizens, and thousands of cases have been resolved through the Maintenance Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal to date. Additionally, a toll-free helpline number, 14567, is being operated to address senior citizens’ issues.
A new old-age home will be built
On this occasion, he also announced that a 72-bed government old-age home, built at a cost of ₹9.12 crore (approximately $1.2 million), will be inaugurated on January 10 in Mansa district. During the financial year 2025-26, old age homes located in 14 districts of the state will be given a grant of Rs 6.82 crore, while day care centres in Barnala and Mansa will get financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh each.
