Accessing healthcare is a significant challenge for elders with limited availability, reach, and affordability, creating formidable barriers. In rural India, where 31% of the population must journey over 30 kms in search of healthcare, the struggle is particularly pronounced. Through our pioneering Telehealth Project, HelpAge India has thus far, brought quality healthcare for rural elders in Uttarakhand, Telangana and Karnataka.  Working through a hub-and-spoke model, a physician based in an urban area, acts as a hub, and is connected to 20 villages/locations through a team of health workers and a pharmacist on ground as the spoke. Free medical consultations and medicines are provided to beneficiaries on a fortnightly basis in needy areas for vulnerable groups.

The tele-consultation model provides great relief to elders as the paramedical staff is equipped with different medical testing equipment, which earlier was only available at government health centres. Patients are registered with Unique IDs, ensuring that their records are safe and easy to access. The programme has not only helped improve the health services in these areas, but has also increased awareness amongst elder beneficiaries, caregivers and youth, regarding government healthcare schemes for the elderly and preventive healthcare practices.