Manipal Hospital adds geriatrics department

Bangalore's first full-fledged department of geriatrics medicine has been launched by Manipal Hospital.

It is the first such effort in Karnataka, said R Basil, MD and CEO, Manipal Health Systems, which runs Manipal Hospital. The department will focus on health promotion, prevention and treatment of diseases, and disability among senior citizens.

Geriatricians treat people who are 60 and above with one or more medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic bronchitis and arthritis.

This includes patients who take three or more medications for health problems and those with problems like poor eye sight and hearing, dizziness, poor nutrition, lack of control over urine and stools, sleep disorders, accidental falls and fractures, and osteoporosis.

Geriatricians are predominantly primary care physicians with board certification in internal medicine or family practice and are trained to prevent and manage the multiple health concerns of the elderly.

They treat manage multiple disease symptoms and develop plans that address the special healthcare needs of the aged.

Nagendra Swamy, group medical director, Manipal Health Systems, said, "The team includes consultant geriatrician, nurses, social workers, nutritionist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, consultant pharmacist and psychiatrist."

Swamy has roped in Dr Nagesh G Kavi, consultant geriatrician of the hospital, from the United States.