MGM Healthcare has launched Swayam, Chennai’s first comprehensive, multidisciplinary geriatric programme built on a structured continuity-of-care model aimed at restoring and sustaining quality of life among senior citizens.
The programme integrates outpatient services, dedicated in-patient wards including senior-friendly ICUs, and a robust hospital-to-home care system that includes direct visits, remote monitoring and follow-up services for patients at home or in assisted-living facilities.
A dedicated senior helpline (044-42004222) has also been introduced to support elderly patients and their families.
Swayam was inaugurated by Col. K. Prabhakar Hebbar (Retd.), Joseph Marita, and Krishnaveni of Dignity Foundation, in the presence of MGM Healthcare Clinical Director Dr. Senathi Nanda Kishore and Swayam Head Dr. P. Sivaraj.
Distinguishing itself from conventional geriatric services, Swayam offers structured, assessment-driven care integrating medical, psychological, functional, nutritional, sensory and dental evaluation within a single coordinated framework.
The team provides comprehensive geriatric assessments; chronic disease management for diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions; polypharmacy review and medication rationalisation; preventive health screening; memory and cognitive evaluation; rehabilitation; metabolic and renal care; infection management; and frailty and fall-risk assessment.
Dr. Senathi Nanda Kishore said India’s rapidly ageing population requires a shift from reactive treatment to proactive and preventive geriatric medicine. “We are not managing old age, we are optimising healthy ageing,” he said.
Dr. Sivaraj noted that geriatric care is often fragmented and episodic. “Our model emphasises longitudinal monitoring rather than isolated interventions,” he said.
Operating on an appointment-based format with only five consultations per day, Swayam ensures comprehensive evaluations, including psychological screening. Quarterly Mobile Health Services extend care into homes, reinforcing its end-to-end continuity model.