In an effort to support India's growing number of senior citizens, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore has launched the first of its kind privilege card 'Apollo Gold Card' under the 'Apollo Healthy Citizens Club' initiative. This is a unique life-time card given to citizens over the age group of 55 years at a fee of Rs 500.

According to Dr Umapathy Panyala, COO, Apollo Hospitals Bangalore, the Card will offer a range of discounts along with a number of related conveniences and services.

Some of the benefits and privileges Apollo Gold Card Citizens are: 20 per cent on OP investigations / diagnostics, 6 per cent on purchase at Apollo pharmacies (outpatients only), 15 per cent on room rents, 10 per cent on Physiotherapy, 10 per cent on cardiac and Ortho packages, 20 per cent on Opthal consultation, 15 per cent on regular health checks, 10 per cent on Apollo Senior Citizens Health Check package, 25 per cent on mammography (outpatient only) and free BP check on a monthly basis (at the pharmacies).

The privileges include free registration at the Apollo Hospital, Educative talks and free home delivery of medicines within a 2.5 kms radius with minimum billing of Rs 300 and emergency doctor on call at your doorstep for Rs 500.

The Gold Card is applicable both at Apollo Hospitals and clinics located across the city.

The hospital aims to enrol 100,000 seniors by the end of the first and double it by the second year. Further, the Apollo Gold Card would enable children residing abroad to ensure that their parents back in India are safe, healthy and cared for, in addition to serving as an identity of sorts for its members.

Ace veteran cricketer Syed Kirmani unveiled the 'Apollo Gold Card' and handed over the first card to senior citizens.

The Registrar General of India forecasts the share of older persons (age 60 years and above) in the total population to rise from 6.9 per cent in 2001 to 12.4 per cent in 2026. Over the next 25 years, the country's senior citizens will be increased to 177 million. Bangalore has over 1.2 million people in the age group of 55 years and above.