Assessment of the public health system preparedness to provide geriatric-friendly healthcare services in Punjab, India: A cross-sectional study.
cross_sectional · Level IV
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41089963.
- Also identified by DOI 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_896_25 and PMC identifier 12517579.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-SA.
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Abstract
The need for geriatric-friendly healthcare services is increasing with the growing elderly population in India. This study assesses the readiness of Punjab's public healthcare system to provide geriatric-friendly health services by identifying its strengths and gaps. This study aims to assess the geriatric-friendly healthcare services provided at different levels of the healthcare system in the state of Punjab. A cross-sectional study was conducted across three districts of Punjab-Amritsar, Bathinda, and Jalandhar-representing different geographical regions. A total of 12 healthcare facilities, comprising district hospitals, community health centers, and primary health centers, were assessed using a structured tool based on the World Health Organization's health system building blocks. Readiness was measured using a Readiness Index (RI), based on which districts were categorized into low (0-50), moderate (51-79), and high (80-100) preparedness levels. The overall RI score indicated moderate geriatric-friendliness across most health facilities, with one district hospital achieving high readiness. The Health Management Information System domain scored the highest (97.9%), while healthcare financing (41.6%) and leadership/governance (31.2%) were the weakest areas. Service delivery, infrastructure, and medical commodities showed moderate readiness challenges remained in human resources and financial support for geriatric care. Punjab's public healthcare system demonstrates moderate readiness for geriatric-friendly services, with significant room for improvement at peripheral healthcare levels. Strengthening leadership, governance, financial allocation, and training programs is essential for enhancing geriatric care. Sustainable, integrated healthcare models focusing on preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care can improve accessibility and outcomes for the elderly.