The Bidhannagar commissionerate has started a service wherein members of Sanjbati, a welfare programme for senior citizens run by the commissionerate, can consult doctors in-person or through video or phone calls at select police stations.
AMRI Hospitals and East Kolkata Nagarik Foundation are partnering the commission rate in the project.
Initially, a centre each has been set up at Baguiati, New Town and Bidhannagar North police stations where Sanjbati members can avail themselves of the service.
Each of these centres has an internet-enabled tablet and a variety of gadgets, including those that measure blood pressure, blood sugar and oxygen saturation.
Persons trained in handling these equipment will be present at the centres, said an officer of the commissionerate. “Doctors will be available for in-person consultation on certain days.”
All police personnel under the commissionerate are eligible for the service, too.
Gaurav Sharma, commissioner of the Bidhannagar police commissionerate, said: “The areas policed by us, especially Salt Lake, have a very sizeable population of the elderly. Many senior citizens stay alone and it does become difficult for them to arrange for doctors’ visits and regular check-ups on their own. This is our attempt to help them keep a track of their health at regular intervals.”
Four injured in accident
A 22-year old man riding a scooter and three passengers of a cycle van were injured after a private bus lost control and hit the two vehicles around 2.20pm on Basanti Highway on Monday, police said.
The injured have been admitted to the SSKM Hospital, police said.