This is after ministry will take over the running of 3 senior citizens’ homes

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation has challenged the National Council of Older Persons to be the leading agency in championing senior citizens’ welfare.

“The justifications of why we need to do what is laid out to be implemented are very clear,” Minister Rosy Akbar said.

“The onus is on the council and how it can work to build on its existing and potential partners to raise the platform of addressing the aged in our country.”

Ms Akbar said this during the National Council for Older Persons consultation in Suva yesterday.

Her comments come after it was announced that three senior citizens homes’ would be transferred from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to her ministry’s care.

The transfer will be done gradually over the next few months.

The three homes are Samabula Senior Citizens Home, Golden Age Home in Lautoka and Babasiga Ashram in Labasa.

Ms Akbar said: “The ministry will be responsible for the care and protection of the old age persons accommodated within these three institutions, as well as the rights and interests of older persons in communities.”

“The council needs to reflect on its past approaches and take the bold steps to include seniors in its drive to implement its activities as it becomes an empowerment for and by older persons when they participate.”

In light of this, she has called on the young and middle-aged generation to play their part in the appreciating this generation.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  shahani.mala@fijisun.com.fj