THE FIRST WHO’s AGE-FRIENDLY INITIATIVE IN A MEDICAL COLLEGE IN INDIA: A HISTORIC MILESTONE AT BCMCH, KAVIYOOR

THE FIRST WHO’s AGE-FRIENDLY INITIATIVE IN A MEDICAL COLLEGE IN INDIA: A HISTORIC MILESTONE AT BCMCH, KAVIYOOR


Introduction

The global demographic shift towards an ageing population has propelled the World Health Organization (WHO) to advocate for the creation of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC). India, poised to have one of the largest elderly populations globally, must act decisively. In a groundbreaking move, Believers Church Medical College and Hospital (BCMCH), Kaviyoor, has become the first medical college in India to formally engage in a WHO-aligned Age-Friendly Community initiative, setting a precedent for healthcare education, service, and community engagement across the country.

Background: WHO’s Vision for Age-Friendly Communities

The WHO’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) outlines eight critical domains for creating environments that foster healthy and active ageing:

  • Outdoor spaces and buildings

  • Transportation

  • Housing

  • Respect and social inclusion

  • Social participation

  • Communication and information

  • Civic participation and employment

  • Community support and health services

BCMCH's initiative directly aligns with these domains, integrating health, infrastructure, social support, and policy into a cohesive framework tailored for Indian rural settings.

The Sensitization Workshop: Laying the Foundation

On 25 April 2025, a landmark Sensitization Workshop was held at KCP Hall, Kaviyoor, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders:

  • Government officials (including Panchayat leaders)

  • Community service providers (ASHA workers, Anganwadi teachers, Haritha Karma Sena)

  • Medical professionals and academics (BCMCH geriatricians and administrators)

  • Non-governmental organizations (CEDAC / MAGICS NGO)

Mrs. Sreeranjini, Vice-President of Kaviyoor Grama Panchayat, inaugurated the session, highlighting Kaviyoor's longstanding commitment to elder welfare through programs like Elders Clubs, palliative services, community recreation spaces, and nutrition initiatives.

Key Highlights of the Workshop

1. The Mundiyappalli Model

Dr. John Valliatu (BCMCH) introduced the Mundiyappalli Model, a community-based participatory framework developed in partnership with BCMCH. The model focuses on:

  • Comprehensive baseline surveys and focus group discussions

  • Capacity building for caregivers

  • Integration of palliative and rehabilitative services

  • Creation of elder-supportive public spaces

  • Technical and clinical oversight from BCMCH

This model exemplifies the seamless integration of community and clinical efforts towards an age-friendly ecosystem.

2. Healthy Ageing and WHO's Eight Domains

Dr. Praveen G. Pai, Chairman of CEDAC and WHO GNAFCC Focal Point for Kochi, offered an in-depth exploration of healthy ageing based on WHO’s principles. He emphasized:

  • Maintaining functional ability in older age

  • Importance of preventive strategies and cross-sectoral collaboration

  • Alignment of local initiatives with WHO’s eight domains

His insights reinforced the necessity of proactive planning rather than reactive elder care, a philosophy that BCMCH and its partners have embraced.

3. Open Discussion and Community Inputs

The workshop featured vibrant discussions, identifying practical community needs:

  • Home safety: Installation of non-slip flooring and safe toilets.

  • Mental health: Addressing depression and loneliness via routine psychosocial support.

  • Nutrition: Proposing a pilot meal-delivery service for elders living alone.

  • Healthcare access: Introducing companion call programs, structured home assessments, and early-warning systems for red-flag signs among seniors.

  • Education and engagement: Launching programs like "Learn a New Language" to stimulate cognitive health.

Strategic Decisions and Action Plan

The workshop concluded with a robust action plan:

Action Item Responsibility Timeline
6-month action plan submission CEDAC & BCMCH 10 May 2025
Development of referral protocols and observation tools CEDAC 5 May 2025
Pilot meal-delivery program with Kudumbasree Panchayat & ICDS Supervisor 30 May 2025
Enrollment of elders in day-centre activities BCMCH & Mundiyappalli Centre Immediate
Scheduling of review meetings CEDAC & Panchayat VP 5 June 2025

This strategic alignment ensures the initiative moves from sensitization to sustainable implementation.

BCMCH’s Unique Contributions

Believers Church Medical College and Hospital’s commitment is multi-dimensional:

  • Subsidized geriatric home-care packages

  • Palliative care services

  • A dedicated elder day-care center

  • Innovative cognitive health initiatives

  • Free structured home assessments by social work interns and medical students

Through its Center of Excellence for Developing Age-Friendly Communities (in collaboration with CEDAC), BCMCH is also contributing to training modules for service providers, enhancing the overall caregiving capacity in the community.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for India’s Medical Education and Elder Care

BCMCH’s pioneering WHO-aligned Age-Friendly initiative signifies a paradigm shift in how medical institutions in India can transform from passive healthcare providers to proactive community partners. It bridges medical care, public health, and social services into an integrated model for healthy ageing.

This historic move at Kaviyoor is not just a local success story—it is a national model for how medical colleges can lead India's journey towards an inclusive, age-respectful future.

With BCMCH setting the standard, India moves a step closer to becoming a nation where every elder can live with dignity, health, and purpose.


























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