On Saturday, Mayiladuthurai Police Inspector S Supriya was interacting with senior citizens and ensuring their safety. (Photo: Express)
Mayiladuthurai: Senior citizens across the district have welcomed the Mayiladuthurai police’s resumption of an initiative to conduct voluntary health checks at the homes of senior citizens. Following a spate of reports of thefts targeting the homes of senior citizens living alone across the state, the district police have begun conducting health checks where teams led by inspectors, sub-inspectors and constables will visit the homes of senior citizens to ensure their safety.
“Our aim is to ensure safety of elderly people, especially those whose children work far away. We have instructed our police personnel to regularly check residential buildings in their jurisdiction,” K Meena, SP of Mayiladuthurai police station, told TNIE.
Pointing out that the initiative is already underway across the state, the SP said it has been resumed in Mayiladuthurai after being suspended for some time. “Through health check-ups, we will also reach out to introverted senior citizens who have little interaction with the outside world. We also enquire about their requirements and ensure legal assistance,” the SP added.
Mayiladuthurai district has eight police stations while Sirkazhi district has eight. The police chief instructed officers to maintain a proper register of senior citizens in each station. Police are also distributing notebooks to the homes of senior citizens to sign during their health check-up. Mayiladuthurai police inspector S Supriya said, “We are urging senior citizens to take necessary precautions and to report if they are facing any problems.”
Police also advised them to install CCTV cameras in their homes for added security and recorded their contact details. The initiative has elicited a positive response from residents. Supporting this, Selvakumari (72), who lives in Thirumanjana Veethi with her husband Gandhi, said, “Both my children are migrant workers. The police came to visit us and spent a few minutes inquiring about our safety, which gave us relief and comfort.”
