National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly

The National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) is an Indian government health initiative launched in 2010 to provide accessible, affordable and quality health care services to the elderly (aged 60 years and above). It aims to address the special health needs of senior citizens, promote healthy ageing and reduce the burden of disease and disability in older populations across the country.

Background

India is witnessing a rapid increase in its elderly population, with demographic ageing creating new challenges for health services. Older people are more vulnerable to chronic diseases, multi-morbidities, disabilities and social isolation. Recognising this, the Government of India launched the NPHCE under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to develop a comprehensive framework of preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative health services for older adults.

Objectives

The key objectives of the programme include:

• To provide specialised health care to senior citizens at various levels of health system — primary (health and wellness centres), secondary (district hospitals) and tertiary (regional geriatric centres).
• To promote healthy ageing through health promotion, screening and early management of age-related disease.
• To reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for the elderly by making services age-friendly and inclusive.
• To build capacity of health professionals and caregivers in geriatric care.
• To set up geriatric clinics and units in hospitals and to integrate elderly care into existing health infrastructure.

Strategic Components and Implementation

The structure of NPHCE spans across levels of the health system:

• Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) / Primary Health Centres (PHCs): First point of contact for older persons with screening, health education, counselling and referral services.
• District Hospitals (DHs): Secondary level where geriatric outpatient clinics, inpatient services, rehabilitation and day-care facilities are provided.
• Regional Geriatric Centres (RGCs): Tertiary level centres of excellence, providing advanced geriatric care, training, research and referral services.
• Development of age-friendly infrastructure (ramps, ramps, accessible toilets, waiting areas) in health facilities.
• Training of medical staff, nurses and community health workers in geriatric medicine, rehabilitation, palliative care and mental health of elderly.
• Outreach services through mobile medical units, home-based care for bedridden elderly, linkages with NGOs and community organisations.
• Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to promote age-friendly lifestyles, preventive health checks and social inclusion of elderly.

Funding and Coverage

The programme is funded by the central government in partnership with state governments, with allocations made under the National Health Mission framework. States prioritise districts and implement the programme in phases, setting up services and infrastructure for elderly care.

Achievements and Challenges

Achievements:

• Establishment of dedicated geriatric outpatient units in many district hospitals.
• Capacity building of healthcare providers in many states for geriatric care.
• Increased awareness among older adults about screening and prevention of chronic diseases.
• Integration of elderly care services into primary and secondary health infrastructure.

Challenges:

• Variable pace of implementation across states due to resource constraints and health-system disparities.
• Shortage of trained geriatric specialists and allied staff (physiotherapists, rehabilitative therapists).
• Ensuring utilisation of services by older persons in rural and remote areas.
• Sustainable care for people with multi-morbidities, cognitive decline and disabilities in old age.
• Continuous funding, monitoring and data management for elderly health indicators.

Significance

The NPHCE represents a landmark in India’s health policy — it acknowledges ageing as a public-health priority and moves beyond acute care to long-term, age-friendly health services. By embedding geriatric care in the mainstream health-system, the programme supports the dignity, health and well-being of older citizens, and contributes to the goal of universal health coverage.
By anticipating the needs of a growing elderly population, the programme helps reduce avoidable morbidity and improves quality of life in old age — thus reflecting a shift from reactive to preventive and rehabilitative health care for older adults.