Bengaluru: In a groundbreaking move that redefines geriatric care in Karnataka, Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta recently launched ‘Seniors First,’ a pioneering healthcare initiative designed exclusively for senior citizens.
As the first integrated geriatric care programme in the state, ‘Seniors First’ is set to transform how the elderly receive medical attention — focusing on preventive care, structured recovery, and continuous wellness support.
With over four decades of clinical excellence, Apollo Hospitals brings together multidisciplinary teams, seamless hospital-to-home transitions, personalized health plans, and continuous health monitoring under one unified programme.
This initiative dismantles traditional silos in healthcare delivery, ensuring that senior citizens receive consistent, connected, and compassionate care at every stage of their health journey.
A vision for compassionate senior care
Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health, Karnataka, lauded the initiative, emphasizing its transformative impact: “Apollo’s ‘Seniors First’ is a vital step in ensuring our elderly population receives healthcare that is not only advanced but also compassionate and within reach.”
The programme integrates the vast Apollo ecosystem — including Apollo Hospitals, Apollo Homecare, Apollo 24|7, and Apollo Diagnostics — bringing together physicians, specialists, therapists, nutritionists, nurses, and digital health tools to create a truly holistic experience.
From preventive check-ups and medication management to post-surgical rehabilitation and emotional support, the care provided is seamless and highly personalized.
Empowering seniors and their families
At the launch event, Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, reinforced the broader vision behind ‘Seniors First’: “This initiative is about more than just medical care — it’s about empowering seniors, their families, and caregivers. By providing structured, accessible, and compassionate solutions, we enable seniors to live independently with dignity while offering peace of mind to their loved ones.”
Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, President and CEO of Apollo Hospitals Division, echoed this sentiment: “India’s ageing population presents both a responsibility and an opportunity. ‘Seniors First’ is our commitment to creating a sustainable model of geriatric care that is seamless, personalized, and deeply rooted in medical excellence.”
Comprehensive geriatric support
‘Seniors First’ covers the full spectrum of elder care, from active aging and preventive wellness to chronic condition management and post-procedure recovery. The programme is particularly beneficial for seniors recovering from:
- Orthopaedic surgeries and joint replacements (e.g., knee and hip replacements)
- Cardiac procedures (e.g., bypass surgery, angioplasty, heart failure management)
- Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Neuro Surgeries)
- Cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, surgical oncology)
Each care pathway is tailored to the individual’s health status, frailty level, and personal life goals, ensuring that seniors regain mobility, independence, and an improved quality of life.
Addressing India’s geriatric care challenges
With over 140 million senior citizens in India, the demand for comprehensive elder care has never been greater. Many seniors struggle with multiple chronic conditions, frequent hospitalizations, and polypharmacy, often leading to adverse effects and complications.
Despite these challenges, geriatric care in India remains largely fragmented, lacking coordinated care, sufficient home support, and specialized clinical protocols for ageing patients.
A Shift from Reactive to Proactive Care
Dr. Steve Paul, Geriatric Specialist, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “This is a shift from reactive to proactive care. It’s about keeping seniors well — not just treating illness. We’re building confidence, independence, and peace of mind for both patients and their families.”
