Senior citizens express grudges

Kathmandu, Nov 3  Though various laws have advocated for the cause of senior citizens, they are not enough to meet the expectation of this population. Agraj Sewa Samaj is one of the organisations working for the rights of elderly people complained that their demands for a discount on public transport fare and medical treatment were yet to be properly addressed. “We have been advocating for the issues concerning senior citizens for eight years, but the achievements failed to meet our hopes,” said organisation vice chair Prabha Lamsal. The government has increased the old-age allowance and promised a discount on transport fare and medical cost, but the implementation aspect is very poor, according to her. Though we had secured some achievements in regard with the rights of elderly citizens, but many more were yet to be gained, organisation’s another vice chair Hari Prasad Bhattarai said. He asserted that senior citizens in every part of the country should have equal opportunity to enjoy their rights. “Though the country’s oldest Bir Hospital ensures 50 percent discount on medical treatment for senior citizens, it has not been clearly mentioned in case of other hospitals in and out of the Kathmandu Valley. Similarly, Agraj Samaj Nepal is another organisation working for the rights of senior citizens. Samaj chair Maha Prasad Parajuli complained that special provisions meant for the old population had not been implemented nationwide. As he said, they were prepared to launch a fresh agitation for the rights of senior citizens.