Date:04/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/04/stories/2009010450100100.htm

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Helpline for senior citizens being revived

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: A toll-free helpline, which was launched sometime ago to address the security concerns of senior citizens, is being revived and expanded in the city, Commissioner of Police K. Radhakrishnan said on Saturday.

The helpline, which is being developed in association with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, will help senior citizens contact the police in the event of any emergency, he told reporters.

A special team has also been formed to conduct a survey of the number of senior citizens, especially aged couples, living alone in the city.

“We have intensified patrolling and vehicle checks in areas where more number of aged couples are living,” he said.

Earlier, speaking at a seminar on ‘Personal Habits and Gastrointestinal Diseases,’ organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the Chennai Police, Mr. Radhakrishnan said a special master health check programme for police personnel had been launched in government hospitals.

“A batch of 50 personnel can avail themselves of the benefit a day. We are ready to grant half-day leave.

Health Secretary V.K. Subburaj has helped to provide the facility at a subsidised rate of Rs.150 per person,” he said.