Patna: The Patna high court on Wednesday directed the state govt to submit an action taken report (ATR) on the provision of old age homes equipped with geriatric care facilities, including physical, emotional and mental healthcare, for elderly people in Bihar.A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sudhir Singh and Justice Rajesh Kumar Verma passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Madhukar Anand.Anand, who raised concerns over the sudden shifting of residents of an old age home in Muzaffarpur to facilities in neighbouring districts, has sought implementation of the Supreme Court’s Dec 13, 2018, directives to the Centre and state govts to ensure that old age homes are equipped with medical and geriatric care facilities.Advocate General (AG) Satya Darshi Sanjay told the bench that the state social welfare department is responsible for providing social security, medical attention and daily care to vulnerable groups, including elderly people. He said these services are being facilitated through a single-window support system called ‘Buniyad Centres’, which are functioning in 101 subdivisions across Bihar.The AG further said the department had directed all district magistrates to construct new old age homes in every district.He added that old age homes are currently functioning in private premises in five districts — Patna, Gaya, Rohtas, Purnia and Bhagalpur — where construction of new buildings is in progress or planned.The matter will be heard again on Oct 26.
