SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre Inaugurates National Geriatric Summit “AGE WELL INDIA”
Chennai, October 23, 2026: SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, through its Department of Community Medicine, inaugurated AGE WELL INDIA – National Geriatric Summit on October 23, 2026, under the theme “From Prevention to Policy: Building Healthier Ageing Systems.” The summit aims to strengthen awareness of the healthcare needs of older adults and promote sustainable, accessible and comprehensive systems for healthy ageing.
The summit was inaugurated in the presence of 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.
The event highlighted the growing significance of geriatric healthcare in public health and medical education, with a focus on preventive healthcare, rehabilitation, comprehensive care for older adults and the role of public policy in developing effective ageing-care systems. It also emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, academic institutions, policymakers and public health organisations to address the evolving needs of an ageing population.
Prof. Dr. R. Jayanthi, Dean (Medical), SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, highlighted the importance of dignity and quality of life in geriatric care, stating, “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.”
Dr. Binod Kumar Patro, Chief Guest, emphasised the importance of integrating geriatric care into primary healthcare, with particular attention to prevention, rehabilitation and dignified care for older persons. He noted that the insights and discussions emerging from the summit should translate into actionable policies to strengthen elderly care across India.
Padma Shri Dr. V. S. Natarajan, Guest of Honour, underscored the need to recognise ageing as both a medical and social responsibility. He highlighted the importance of strengthening geriatric services, establishing rehabilitation centres and expanding the training of geriatricians to ensure that older adults can lead dignified, independent and fulfilling lives.
Through AGE WELL INDIA, the Department of Community Medicine seeks to advance dialogue on healthy ageing and reinforce its place within the broader public health agenda. The summit’s theme reflects the importance of linking preventive healthcare with institutional planning and policy action to create more responsive and inclusive healthcare systems for older adults.
The inauguration marks an important academic initiative by SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre to promote awareness, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and highlight the role of medical institutions in addressing the healthcare challenges and opportunities associated with population ageing.
