Africa-Press – Mauritius. Each year, Government through the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity makes provision of some Rs 19 billion to provide the needy and vulnerable citizens with basic pensions, social aid and other social benefits.
It has a wide and diverse customer base, comprising the elderly, persons with disabilities, widows, orphans, students, juvenile delinquents, probationers and other vulnerable citizens.
In line with Government’s vision to deliver an efficient, user-friendly and high quality customer service, Budget 2022-2023 has increased the financial assistance of Social Aid for the purchase of spectacles, wheelchairs, dentures and hearing aids.
During the financial year 2021-2022, the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity has disbursed some Rs 15,9 million for assistive devices. On a monthly basis, the Ministry receives on average 31 applications for hearing aids, 288 for spectacles, 125 for wheelchairs, and 87 for dentures.
For the financial year 2021/2022, a total of 6 382 persons have benefitted from assistive devices, namely 380 for hearing aids, 3 455 for spectacles, 1 500 for wheelchairs, and 1 047 for dentures.
The sum disbursed for assistive devices during that period is as follows: hearing aids Rs 2.7 million; spectacles Rs 3.8 million; wheelchairs Rs 5.9 million; and dentures Rs 3,3 million. Increase of financial assistance and adoption of new policy
For households with a monthly income of less than Rs 30 000, the financial assistance for the purchase of spectacles has increased from Rs 2 000 to Rs 5 000; for wheelchairs from Rs 5 000 to Rs 10 000; dentures from Rs 3 518 to 4 222; and for hearing aids from Rs 5 000 to Rs 10 000.
Furthermore, in a bid to ensure a better and timely service to beneficiaries, a new policy has been adopted since June 2021 which aims to provide assistance in cash instead of assistive devices in kind to beneficiaries.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Navin Kumar Caleechurn, this change in the system was necessary since prior to June 2021, the procurement exercise for assistive devices used to be carried out at the level of the Ministry.
“However, since the past few years, several constraints were faced with regard to the procurement of the assistive devices and this has caused considerable delays in their delivery to beneficiaries”, he said.
Mr Caleechurn further indicated that suppliers have been invited to register themselves with the Ministry in order to provide the assistive devices to the beneficiaries.
As at date, 63 suppliers have already registered themselves with the Ministry and the registration process is ongoing throughout the year, he added. Eligibility criteria for assistive devices
Persons who wish to benefit from assistive devices should meet certain eligibility criteria which are as follows: (i) The household income of the applicant should not exceed Rs 30 000 per month; and
(ii) A registered medical practitioner should certify that the applicant is in need of the assistive devices.
How to apply Furthermore, they are requested to call at their nearest local Social Security Office to apply for same. The following documents need to be submitted:
National Identity Cards of the applicant and members of his/her household Birth Certificates and Marriage Certificate, where applicable of the applicant and members of his/her household
Medical evidence from a registered Medical practitioner or report from an Audiologist Salary Receipt of the applicant and members of his/her household engaged in remunerative employment A quotation of the assistive device from a registered supplier
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
