Kudumbashree Grand Care Programme for the Elderly

Kudumbashree is about to launch ‘Grand Care’ Programme for the care of the elderly as the elderly people are likely to suffer more if they get infected by the virus, as they have relatively less immunity and may have comorbidities. The logo of the ‘Grand Care’ Programme was launched by Shri. A.C Moideen, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala on 14 May 2020. It is decided to start implementing the programme by 15 May 2020 after a detailed planning.

As the countering activities against corona virus is entering into the next level, Kudumbashree aim at making the people aware that the elderly people need to remain more cautious. Grand Care Programme is conceived as a IEC (Information, Education and Communication) Campaign to spread the message to maximum public. Kudumbashree aim at conducting a massive IEC campaign, with the directions from the Health Department, associating with the Social Justice Department, Women and Child Welfare Department, Local Self Government Departments and District Administrations. The same would be organised by making use of the organisational system of Kudumbashree. The campaign is framed in such a way that the same would be continued for long term, by taking the message regularly to the public.

Kudumbashree is trying to spread the message through the NHGs to all families in Kerala, that the elderly should observe the covid-19 protocol and avoid physical contact with others. Also the message that the elderly people who returned from the foreign countries/other states should remain in home quarantine is also is communicated. In addition, it is planned to organize special campaign for the tribal people and people from the coastal areas through animators and coastal volunteers. Also a massive IEC campaign is planned by starting a centralised call centre for contacting the vulnerable elderly people. The programme also plans to spread the message through selected resource persons that the elderly people returned from foreign countries and other states should stay alert. Kudumbashree has also been making special interventions for the welfare of the elderly in the destitute families. In addition,  special activities are being implemented for the elderly in home quarantine, through the 786 resource persons in the state.

Dr.Sreeram Venkitaraman IAS, Joint Secretary, Health Department, who coordinates the project on behalf of the Health Department, Shri. N.S.A Umesh IAS, Executive Director, KSIDC and Shri. Kiran Sugathan, representing Kudumbashree were also present at the function.