- First-of-its-kind GSI national meet in Gujarat focuses on ageing healthcare crisis
- Experts push for integrated clinical, policy and community-based geriatric care
- “Advance standards of elderly care through robust academic discourse,” say organisers
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, APR 19
With India’s ageing population rising rapidly, healthcare leaders at the GSI Midterm National Conference 2026 in Ahmedabad sounded a clear alarm: the country must urgently reimagine geriatric care with specialised expertise, integrated systems and policy support to ensure dignity and quality of life for senior citizens.
Hosted by the Gujarat State Chapter of the Geriatric Society of India at the Atal-Kalam Research Park Auditorium, Gujarat University, the two-day conference brought together leading clinicians, researchers and policymakers to address the growing complexity of elderly healthcare.
The event marked a milestone for the state, creating a national platform to bridge gaps between clinical practice and emerging innovations in geriatric medicine.
“Our goal is to advance the standards of elderly care through robust academic discourse,” said the organising committee. “By bringing together the brightest minds, we aim to foster a healthcare ecosystem better equipped to handle the unique needs of our ageing population.”
The conference featured keynote lectures by national experts, multidisciplinary panel discussions on integrated care models and policy frameworks, and case-based sessions offering practical insights into managing complex conditions in senior citizens.
Leadership and installation ceremony
The Gujarat chapter installation ceremony underscored the growing institutional focus on geriatric medicine, with leadership from Dr. Jitendra Patel and Dr. Urmil Shah steering the initiative to expand awareness, training and specialised care across the state.
Understanding Geriatric Healthcare
What is it?
Geriatric healthcare focuses on the medical, psychological and social well-being of older adults, typically aged 60+.
Why it matters now:
- India’s elderly population is projected to rise sharply in the coming decades
- Higher burden of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, dementia)
- Increased need for long-term, multi-specialty care
Key challenges:
- Shortage of trained geriatric specialists
- Fragmented healthcare systems
- High out-of-pocket costs
- Limited awareness among families and primary physicians
What experts recommend:
- Dedicated geriatric clinics in hospitals
- Integration with primary healthcare
- Preventive screening and early intervention
- Community-based support and caregiver training
