Daily Times

SHIKARPUR: London based NGO HelpAge International (HAI) CEO Justin Derbyshire visited the Older People Associations (OPAs) formed by HelpAge International with collaboration of Sindh Rural Support organization (SRSO) in Jacobabad and Shikarpur districts.

The foreign delegation, also consisting HAI Asia Pacific Regional colleagues, Regional Director Eduardo Klien and Head of Programs based in Thailand, Bert Maerten, met with office bearers and members of OPAs in Union Councils (UCs) Humayon, Shikarpur and, UC Bachro Jacobabad and held separate meetings with active older people.

During the meeting, issues of the older people and their experiences of campaigning for protection of their rights were discussed.

During the visit, Help Age Pakistan Country Director, Ajeeba K. Aslam, Chief Financial officer (CFO) SRSO Zahid Kareem Shar, Focal Person Nisar Ahmed Pathan, Program Manager Emergencies Shahzado Khaskheli and others were also present.

On the occasion, representatives of the Older People Associations expressed their concern over delay in implementation of senior citizens welfare bill, which was passed by Sindh Assembly in 2016.

Justin Derbyshire urged the government and media to play their pivotal role in implementation of the Bill as older people of Sindh were facing many problems.

He said that after implementing the bill, older people will be provided with free geriatric, medical, and health services with free medicines for senior citizens as prescribed by respective medical officers from government dispensaries, hospitals, medical centers and 25 percent concession on all private hospitals and clinics.

He said that the bill also ensures provision of 25 percent discount at recreation centers, cinemas, theaters, visiting places including hostels, motels, resorts, restaurants, food points and lodging establishments.

It also ensures provision of free services for funeral and burial on the death of a senior citizen by the local council, Justin Derbyshire added.