Himachal Governor flags off pick-ups containing survival and hygiene kits

Shimla: Governor Bandaru Dattatraya today flagged-off four pick-ups containing survival kits and hygiene kits for poor and destitute elders and their families members of Nerwa and Chopal, Basantpur panchayat, Tibetan old age Home, Dhalli in Shimla district and old age Home, Mandi from Raj Bhavan, Shimla. Near about 200 kits will be made available to 600 families of elders through HelpAge India.

On the occasion, the Governor said that during this pandemic period we have to take care of physical distancing, not social distancing so that our elders do not feel lonely in this difficult time. He appreciated the initiative of HelpAge India and said that there endeavours are inspiration for other social organizations. He also lauded the services of their volunteers by providing medicines and testing facilities to the elderly at their door-steps. He advised them to associate their volunteers with the State Red Cross so that their services could be availed at the time of any disaster.

Shri Dattatraya expressed satisfaction that HelpAge India had immediately started Emergency Health Services for Elders and other Vulnerable Groups in Himachal Pradesh after COVID-19 pandemic through Mobile Health Units at elder’s doorsteps in 9 districts of the State. He said that in Himachal Pradesh, most of the elderly were living in rural areas and COVID-19 has affected their lives. Since the elderly were staying at their homes after pandemic and there were many elders who were very poor and need immediate help of food and hygiene kits. The effort made in this direction by HelpAge India would definitely prove to be helpful, he added.

Dr Rajesh, State Head, HelpAge India has briefed about various activities of the organization.

Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary to Governor, Dr. Kimi Sood, Councillor, Anand Mishra, Programme Manager, Keshav Ram, Manav kalian Sewa Smiti, Chopal and other volunteers of the HelpAge India were also present on the occasion.