President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s Initiatives for the Elderly

The elderly population of Zanzibar is being provided with enhanced welfare initiatives

[su_dropcap style=”flat” size=”5″]O[/su_dropcap]n 7 October 2024, during the peak of the Elderly Day celebrations at the ZSSF hall in Tibirinzi, Chake Chake District, South Pemba Region, the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, announced several key initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the elderly.

Special Identification Cards for the Elderly

President Dr. Mwinyi has directed the Ministry of Communications and Transport to accelerate the issuance of special identification cards for the elderly. The cards will allow the elderly to pay half the fare for public transportation, in line with the benefits already available to students and people with disabilities. The objective of this initiative is to:

Reduce Transportation Costs: Making travel more affordable for the elderly.
Enhance Mobility: Encouraging greater independence and mobility among older citizens.

Enhancing Welfare Services

Dr. Mwinyi highlighted the importance of prompt and effective responsiveness to the needs of the elderly by all government institutions responsible for providing welfare services. Specific instructions were provided regarding:

Ministry of Health:
- Special Hospital Windows: It is recommended that special service windows be established in all hospitals to prioritise the elderly.
- Specialist Doctors: Increase the number of specialist doctors for diseases commonly affecting the elderly.
Ministry of Finance:
- Special Budget: Allocate a dedicated budget for the operation of Elderly Councils.
- Financial Services: It is recommended that special service windows be opened at banks and financial centres to give priority to the elderly.

Social Security Policy of 2014

President Dr. Mwinyi gave an overview of the ongoing implementation of the Social Security Policy of 2014, which includes effective strategies to support the development and welfare of the elderly. The policy places particular emphasis on the following areas:

Comprehensive Support: Providing a framework for various social security measures aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly.
Sustainable Development: Ensuring that the needs of the elderly are met in a sustainable and systematic manner.

In conclusion, these initiatives demonstrate the government’s dedication to improving the quality of life for the elderly in Zanzibar. By addressing transportation costs, improving healthcare services and ensuring financial support, the government aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for its senior citizens, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Tanzania Media