Malappuram municipality’s high-tech day care centre for the elderly getting ready for inauguration.
| Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN
Malappuram municipality is poised to set a record of sorts when it opens the country’s first air-conditioned day-care centre for the elderly on Tuesday (September 16). The day care centre for the elderly, named ‘Pakalveedu’, is the latest in a series of measures adopted by the municipality for thousands of senior citizens within its limits.
The Pakalveedu with modern facilities will offer people above 60 a place to relax and enjoy their time during the day. “The initiative aims to support the elderly by offering a comfortable and engaging environment,” said municipal chairperson Mujeeb Kaderi.
Apart from a spacious hall, the day-care centre will have a doctor’s consulting room, an office and rest rooms. The municipal authorities claimed that no other centre for the elderly has an air conditioning facility in the country. Those reaching the Pakalveedu will get free tea, refreshments and lunch. Malayil Foods Group, headed by Mohammed Gaddafi, has sponsored food for senior citizens.
A team of doctors under the municipality’s Vayomitram scheme will conduct weekly medical camps for senior citizens visiting the day care centre. The municipality is gearing up to host a historic picnic in October, where over 3,000 senior citizens will embark on a day-long excursion to Wayanad, showcasing the municipality’s commitment to senior citizen welfare. “It is going to be another record of sorts,” said Mr. Kaderi.
Several philanthropists came forward to support the municipality in its drive for the senior citizens. P.M. Hamza Haji offered the land free of cost for the day care centre at Melmuri. Although the Pakalveedu was set up in a temporary shelter a couple of years ago, the permanent structure with better facilities is expected to take the concept of senior citizen welfare to higher levels.
E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP, will inaugurate the facility on Tuesday morning. Mr. Kaderi will preside over the function. Mr. Gaddafi will be the chief guest.
Mr. Kaderi claimed that the municipality had set an example for the country by undertaking various initiatives in the field of senior citizen welfare.
The municipality provided premium food kits, including Horlicks, Boost and corn flakes, to over 6,000 senior citizens for over three years after COVID-19. “It was a pioneering initiative,” said Mr. Kaderi.
The other initiatives included providing beds, assistive devices, hearing aids and medical assistance to senior citizens. Besides, the Badaai Bazaar initiative of Malappuram Municipality, which provided a recreational space for the elderly during the day, had captured national attention.
Published – September 15, 2025 09:16 pm IST
