Day care centre for elderly persons encourage in Jowai

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 10, 2021

The office of the District Social Welfare Officer, West Jaintia Hills on Friday organized an awareness programme on Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens at District Library Auditorium, Jowai to make the public aware of the Act, in particular the elderly persons of their rights.  

District Social Welfare Officer, West Jaintia Hills J Synnah in her introductory speech informed that the Act makes it an obligation for children or heirs to provide maintenance to Parents or Senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 recognizes the right of the citizens to live a life of dignity.

As revealed by the Population projection of India the number of Senior citizens in the country will continue to grow rapidly in years to come and one of the main reasons is the improvement in health care. But that doesn’t mean that they are living a healthier life, they face many challenges and there is a need to provide them with economic and health needs.

She also reminded that the state government through the office of the DSWO provides medical treatment and financial treatment for those who have attained the age of 60 years for women and 65 years for Men who fall under below poverty line at an amount of Rs. 2200/- per person per year.

Smt. K. Lamar, Rtd. Deputy Director, Social Welfare highlighted the objective and aims of the Scheme, she said the main objective of the scheme is to improve the quality life of the elderly persons and provide them with better facilities in taking care of their basic needs like shelter, food, health care etc. She encouraged the active NGOs to come forward and open day care facilities in the district to help the elderly persons. The Scheme will also help parents and Senior citizens from being abandoned by their children.

Dr. K.C Ajar, District Medical Officer, Jowai informed that under the National Programme for Health Care of elderly, dedicated health care facilities are being provided to the senior citizens.

He advised the caregiver at home, especially when taking care of the elderly persons to first take care of themselves and follow the COVID-19 protocols to protect themselves and others.  

The President of the Synjuk Waheh Shnong, Jowai Shri. Alan Niangti spoke on the Roles and responsibilities of the Dorbar Shnong, society towards the Welfare of Senior Citizens.