The Trivandrum Medical College Alumni Association and the Dr. V C Mathew Roy Foundation successfully organized an enriching event titled "Day for Geriatrics" dedicated to advancing the field of geriatric care in Kerala. The event, held at the Knowledge Centre of the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram, aimed to address the unmet needs within geriatric practice in the region.
The highlight of the event was the V C Mathew Roy Oration delivered by esteemed Prof. Dr. Kichu Nair AM, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Newcastle, Australia. His insightful presentation provided valuable perspectives on the current challenges and future directions in geriatric care, both locally and globally.
The oration was followed by a panel discussion on "Geriatric Practice in Kerala - the unmet needs," which created a platform for constructive dialogue among experts. Chaired by Dr. Krishna Kumar and Dr. Vinayakumar K. R, the panel included prominent figures in the medical field such as Dr. Aruna, Dr. M R Rajagopal, and Dr. Kichu Nair AM. The discussion was moderated by Dr. MKC Nair, highlighting various aspects of elderly care needs, healthcare policies, and community support systems in Kerala.
The event saw significant contributions from chairpersons Dr. Thomas Iype, Dr. Suma T K, and Dr. Sreenath S, who facilitated the sessions and engaged the audience in the discussions. Notable attendees included Dr. John Panicker, President of TMCAA; Dr. Linnette J Morris, Principal of GMC; Dr. Vinayakumar K R, Chairman of VCM Roy Academy; and Dr. Kavitha Ravi, Secretary of TMCAA, whose presence added prestige to the occasion.
The Day for Geriatrics served as a vital congregation for healthcare professionals, policymakers, scholars, and students to reflect on the advancements and hurdles in geriatric medicine. The engaging oration and panel discussions shed light on imperative topics, such as the integration of palliative care into geriatric services, the importance of community-based healthcare models, and the necessity for specialized training for healthcare providers in geriatrics.
The event concluded with a networking session, allowing attendees to discuss collaborative opportunities and share insights. The commitment shown by the Trivandrum Medical College Alumni Association and the Dr. V C Mathew Roy Foundation in addressing the critical issues faced by the elderly in Kerala was commendable.
The Day for Geriatrics has set a precedent for future events and initiatives focused on improving the quality of life for the elderly population in Kerala and beyond. It highlighted the urgent need for collective efforts in enhancing geriatric healthcare services and has paved the way for future advancements in the field.
