Karnataka - Mysore   

Helpline for senior citizens launched

By Our Staff Correspondent

MYSORE, MARCH 24. A helpline to assist elderly persons in distress and offer counselling was launched here today. The helpline 1090 is a joint project of the Mysore city police, Department of Disabled Welfare and the JSS Medical Service Trust.

Inaugurating the helpline, the Police Commissioner, Praveen Sood, said the success of senior citizens' helpline depends on the commitment and participation of the people. Stressing the need for people's participation in the effort, he said that it is good that the helpline is coming up with private participation.

Stating that the helpline is not a substitute for family love, he said that it can operate as a nodal agency for those who are denied family security.

It can help in addressing problems of elders suffering from senile dementia, self-destruction behaviours, and suicidal tendencies besides a feeling of neglect by their family due to social and economic situation.

The helpline will be based at the JSS Hospital on Ramanuja Road.

While trained experts will provide counselling, medical attention to the needy will be given by government hospitals. Two qualified social workers and an assistant will man the helpline, he said.

The helpline is being established as part of the national policy on elderly persons that has been adopted by the State, which entails each district to have a helpline to assist senior citizens in distress.

Mysore is the second city in the State to have such a helpline.

Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamy of Suttur Mutt; Vinitha Sood, wife of Mr. Sood; the former legislator P.M. Chikkaboraiah; and M.P. Shankar, film actor; were present.

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