SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre Inaugurates AGE WELL INDIA – National Geriatric Summit 2026
SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, through its Department of Community Medicine, inaugurated AGE WELL INDIA – National Geriatric Summit 2026, an academic initiative focused on advancing geriatric healthcare and promoting healthier ageing systems in India.
Centred on the theme “From Prevention to Policy: Building Healthier Ageing Systems,” the summit highlighted the growing importance of addressing the healthcare needs of older adults through preventive strategies, comprehensive geriatric care, and effective public health policies.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Binod Kumar Patro, Director, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW), New Delhi, as the Chief Guest, and Padma Shri Dr. V. S. Natarajan, Founder and Chairman, Dr. V. S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation, as the Guest of Honour.
Emphasising Dignity and Healthy Ageing
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. R. Jayanthi, Dean (Medical), SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, emphasised that geriatric care extends beyond medical treatment to ensuring dignity and quality of life for older adults.
She stated, “Geriatric care is not just about addressing medical needs; it is about ensuring dignity in aging. As the world’s population grows older, it is our collective responsibility to help every individual age healthily, gracefully, and with dignity.”
Her message underscored the importance of a compassionate, comprehensive approach to ageing that recognises the physical, emotional, and social well-being of older persons.
Strengthening Geriatric Care Through Policy and Practice
Dr. Binod Kumar Patro, Chief Guest, highlighted the need to integrate geriatric care into primary healthcare systems, with particular emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation, and dignified care.
He remarked, “Geriatric care must be integrated into primary healthcare, with a focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and dignified care for older persons. The insights from this summit should translate into actionable policies to strengthen elderly care across India.”
His address reinforced the importance of translating academic discussions and professional insights into practical policy measures that improve access to quality healthcare for older adults across the country.
A Shared Social Responsibility
Padma Shri Dr. V. S. Natarajan, Guest of Honour, called attention to the urgent need to strengthen geriatric services in response to India’s changing demographic profile. He emphasised the importance of developing rehabilitation centres and expanding the training of healthcare professionals specialising in geriatric medicine.
He stated, “The time has come to look at ageing very seriously. Geriatric care is not just a medical responsibility, but a social responsibility. As our elderly population grows and the younger generation becomes smaller, we must strengthen geriatric services, rehabilitation centres and the training of more geriatricians to ensure that older people live with dignity, independence and quality of life.”
His address highlighted the need for a coordinated response involving healthcare institutions, policymakers, families, and society to ensure that older adults receive appropriate care and support.
Building Healthier Ageing Systems for the Future
AGE WELL INDIA underscored the importance of placing healthy ageing at the centre of the public health agenda. The summit’s theme highlighted the connection between preventive healthcare, institutional preparedness, medical education, and policy action in building sustainable and accessible geriatric care systems.
As India responds to the evolving needs of an ageing population, initiatives such as this provide an important platform for academic exchange, professional collaboration, and the development of forward-looking approaches to elderly care.
Through AGE WELL INDIA – National Geriatric Summit 2026, the Department of Community Medicine at SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing geriatric healthcare, strengthening public health perspectives, and promoting an environment in which older adults can age with dignity, independence, and a better quality of life.
Healthy ageing is a shared responsibility. Building systems that support it requires a collective commitment to prevention, compassionate care, and meaningful policy action.
