In the remote tribal district of Korea (Koriya), Chhattisgarh, IAS officer Chandan Sanjay Tripathi (2016 batch, Chhattisgarh cadre), serving as District Collector, has spearheaded a compassionate overhaul of elderly healthcare. Facing challenges like long queues, delayed medicines, mobility issues, and indifferent staff in tribal areas, she launched Chhattisgarh’s first dedicated Elderly Clinic on October 1 last year.
Housed next to the district hospital in an existing building funded by the District Mineral Fund (DMF), the clinic offers free specialized services: dedicated doctors and nurses, AYUSH therapies including traditional oil massages, physiotherapy, light exercises, comfortable sofas to avoid standing, and free medicines. A standout feature is the “Vriddha Express” mobile service, which picks up bedridden or remote seniors for treatment. All elderly residents receive Vaya Vandana cards for registration, with home visits ensuring full accessibility. Over 750 patients have benefited, restoring dignity and comfort through timely, pain-relieving care.
Tripathi, known for her empathy-driven governance, stated: “Healthcare is not just about medicine; it’s about dignity, comfort, and care.” Her initiatives blend local resources with innovation, turning the clinic into a true lifeline for seniors in isolated tribal regions and inspiring nationwide grassroots health reforms.
