Proactive measures sought for elders in dengue-hit areas

| S VENKATESHWARAN |

The Federation of Senior Citizen Associations of Tamil Nadu
(FOSCATAN) has written to Health Minister, Dr. Arunraj,
seeking special health-protection measures for senior citizens
in view of concerns over dengue and other infectious diseases.
In a letter dated September 16, 2026, federation president, Mr.
V. Rama Rao, general secretary, Mr. S. Meenakshisundaram,
and treasurer, Mr. T.N. Srinivasan, requested the government
to conduct special medical camps in all 200 wards of Chennai
at least twice a month, particularly in the affected areas.
The camps may provide health check-ups, fever screening,
blood pressure and sugar tests, early identification of
suspected dengue cases and health-awareness guidance.
The federation has also sought a special health programme for
senior citizens aged 60 and above, with priority for those aged
70 and above and elderly persons with existing health
conditions. It suggested pneumococcal vaccination for eligible
senior citizens based on medical advice, along with a review of
other recommended vaccinations.
The letter called for intensified mosquito-control measures,
including removal of stagnant water, larval control, fogging
wherever required, cleaning of drains and public spaces, door-

to-door awareness and quick action in areas reporting dengue
cases.
The federation also suggested making kabasura kudineer and
other approved Siddha medicines available at government
health centres and camps under qualified practitioners, while
stressing that they should not replace essential treatment for
dengue or other serious illnesses.
Similar camps and preventive measures have been requested
across Tamil Nadu, especially in dengue-affected districts, with
special attention to senior citizens living alone, economically-
weaker elderly persons and those with chronic illnesses or
difficulty accessing hospitals.
The federation has further requested special funding for
medical camps, medicines, vaccinations, mosquito-control
activities, awareness programmes and referral support, along
with a monitoring committee to review the implementation of
the programme.