Mauritius: In the context of the International Day of Older Persons, fourteen Residential Care Institutions for the elderly received cheques amounting to Rs 1 million each for renovation purposes today during a ceremony held in Port-Louis.
The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, the Chairman of the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF), Mr Medavy Munien and other personalities were also present.
In her address, Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo said that in view to provide a more friendly environment for the elderly living in Residential Care Institutions, the NSIF authorised funding for renovation purposes and the purchase of equipment for fourteen Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and charitable organisations.
“Mauritius is noticing an ageing population with 18% of the population as elderly, and by 2050 the figure is expected to reach 37%. It is, therefore, important for the Government to devise strategies to cater for the welfare of the elderly in the long run”, she said.
She stressed that Government has at heart the welfare of the elderly and is doing its best possible to provide a better quality of life for the elderly and ensure their security as well as protection through several measures. They are basic retirement pension, invalidity pension, widow pension, medical domiciliary visits, and financial support for medical devices.
Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo made an appeal to the elderly care institutions to operate within the respected standards and regulations. She indicated that every year, Government spends around Rs 89 million on charitable institutions adding that the budget allocation for the charitable institutions for the year 2022-2023 has been increased by 16% to respond to the needs of the elderly.
The Minister lauded the ONG for their engagement and determination to improve the lives of vulnerable and elderly persons by providing them shelter and a decent living.
