Over 2 Million Senior Citizens Benefiting from Social Security Allowance Program, Official States

Kathmandu. Two million nine thousand one hundred sixty-nine senior citizens are benefiting from the social security allowance program initiated by the government. Radhika Aryal, Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, provided this information on Sunday during a meeting of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee held at Singha Durbar.

Speaking on an urgent matter of public importance regarding the need for additional special arrangements to make the lives of senior citizens secure, quality, and dignified, she informed that the government is operating various programs targeting senior citizens.

According to her, 1.66 million senior citizens above 70 years of age are currently receiving the social security allowance. Additionally, 161,000 Dalit senior citizens who have completed 60 years, 171,000 single women, and 17,169 senior citizens who have completed 60 years in designated areas are under the scope of social security. Aryal informed that all beneficiary senior citizens are receiving a monthly social security allowance at the rate of NPR 4,000.

Secretary Aryal stated that at least two seats in all public transport vehicles have been reserved for senior citizens, and a minimum of 50 percent discount is provided on passenger fares. Regarding health services, she mentioned that arrangements have been made for senior citizens to receive inpatient services in designated wards along with certain services in outpatient and inpatient care at government, community, and private health institutions.

She noted that a 50 percent discount on treatment fees has been implemented, and this service is currently being provided by 94 hospitals across 77 districts.

She further stated, "The ministry has been implementing various programs targeting senior citizens. Currently, social security programs are being operated. The number of senior citizens above 70 years receiving social security so far is 1.66 million. Likewise, the number of Dalit senior citizens who have completed 60 years is 161,000, single women who have completed 60 years is 171,000, and senior citizens who have completed 60 years in designated areas is 17,169. This is the data from the last fiscal year 2081/82. They have been receiving a monthly social security allowance at the rate of 4,000 rupees."

She added, "Similarly, discount facilities have also been provided in transport services. At least two seats have been reserved for senior citizens in all public transport vehicles, and a minimum of 50 percent discount has been given on passenger fares. In the field of health services and medical treatment, arrangements have been made for senior citizens to receive health services by having designated wards with certain services available in outpatient and inpatient care at government, community, and private health institutions. However, there are questions regarding the effectiveness of service delivery to senior citizens. It has not been made fully effective."

She stated that a 50 percent discount is given on the fees incurred when senior citizens receive treatment at the number specified by the health institution. She also mentioned that such services are currently available in 94 hospitals across 77 districts. She further stated that free health insurance coverage up to NPR 100,000 has been provided for all senior citizens above 70 years of age.

Secretary Aryal acknowledged that despite the provision of free health insurance coverage up to one lakh rupees for all senior citizens above 70 years, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of service delivery. –News Agency Nepal