The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, paid a vibrant homage to the elderly population for their remarkable contribution and enduring legacy in shaping the country’s social, economic and cultural landscape and renewed his commitment to support their overall well-being, today at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre, Pailles.
He was speaking at an official ceremony organised by the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity in the context of the International Day of Older Persons observed annually on 01 October.
Several Ministers including the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Lisa Simrique Singh, Members of the Parliament and the Diplomatic Corps, graced the event held under the theme ‘ Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide’.
On this occasion, the
Prime Minister announced that Government, in its next mandate, will increase the Basic Retirement Pension to Rs 20,000 so as to improve the financial autonomy of the elderley. In the same vein, the free provision of medications when visiting a private doctor for treatment was also declared by Mr Jugnauth to cater for the welfare of the population.
Prime Minister Jugnauth, in his speech, underscored the importance of organising such an event which serves as a clarion call for stronger actions to ensure that the dignity and rights of the elders of the nation are maintained and protected. ‘The hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice of our elders have paid off’, he stated, adding that the country thrives on peace, security and unity due to their strong sense of family values, mutual respect and solidarity.
Government, he stressed, recognises and values the elders as an important cohort of the society and believes in their potential to chart the progress of the country and guide future generations by transmittin
g their knowledge, experience and values. ‘Older persons are a force to be reckoned with’, he said, ‘Government will continue to ensure that they live in dignity and in good health’. As such, he pointed out that major investment is being made in the healthcare sector with the setting up of new and modern health infrastructure and services.
He dwelt on a series of measures rolled out to improve the quality of life of the elderly including setting up of recreational facilities, visits by doctors at domicile, and vaccination campaign. Highlighting the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle, he exhorted the seniors to practise a regular physical activity such as walking and to indulge more in leisure and recreational activities.
Reiterating the motto ‘No one should be left behind’, Prime Minister Jugnauth enumerated several other prominent measures that have been put in place to respond to the needs of all groups. These include: allocation of a monthly Child Allowance of Rs 2,000 to children aged up to three
years; a one-off Pregnancy Care Allowance of Rs 3,000; a Maternity Allowance of Rs 2,000; a one-off grant of Rs 20,000 to youngsters attaining 18 years old; provision of free education from pre-primary to tertiary schooling; and subsidy on SC and HSC examination fees. The subsidy on food items such as rice and flour and the decreased in the price Domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas were also listed out.
As for the youth, he recalled that Government will come forth with a scheme for those aged between 18 to 35 years old of a zero interest rate on a loan for the purchase of a plot of land or for the construction of a house depending on certain criteria. The interest on these loans will be paid by the Government, affirmed Prime Minister Jugnauth. Key features of Government’s vision also entail the modernisation of the transportation sector with the coming up of electric buses, extension of the Metro Express across other regions, and other infrastructural development.
For her part, Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo underl
ined that the elders are always placed at the centre of major policy and decision making by the Government. ‘The elders are the strong pillars upon which our society continues to consolidate its foundation and pave the way forward for the progress of the country’, she stated.
The Minister underpinned that the Government is doing its utmost best to provide older persons with requisite facilities and benefits, decent conditions, improved standard of living and access to quality healthcare services so that they live in dignity. Likewise, she mentioned, several initiatives have been taken to address inequalities, promote social integration and inclusiveness for the most vulnerable, women, youth and people with disabilities.
As for Ms Singh, she lauded the country’s dedication in catering for this segment of the population which requires most care and particular attention. The huge investment made by the Government in ensuring social welfare and improving healthcare systems is remarkable, she indicated, while re
iterating the UN’s support to assist Mauritius in safeguarding the rights of the elders and fostering their development.
International Day of Older Persons
On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (resolution 45/106). This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.
In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91). In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org
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Source: Government of Mauritius