Africa-Press – Tanzania. RUKWA region has issued free medical identity cards to 16,311 elderly persons to make it easier for them to access quality health services.
Rukwa Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Joseph Mkirikiti disclosed that yesterday in his speech during official launching of Rukwa Region Council of Elders that was graced by the Sumbawanga District Commissioner, Mr Sebastian Wryoba on his behalf. He said that until September this year 16,321 ageing people have been issued free medical IDs, equivalent to 55 percent of all elderly persons who have been identified. Among them women are 8,515 and men are 7,796.
He further said that as per 2012 Population and House Census the region is the home of 73,361 among them women are 37,509 while men are 35,852. Equally, until September this year, the region has identified 29,905 elderly persons out of whom women are 15,954 and men are 13,951.
“I should remind you that councils of elders are independent…this means they are not affiliated to any political ideology or religious beliefs. Each person who has attained 60 years of age and above has rights to be member of the council of elders as per government directives,” explained the RC in his written speech.
He further noted that in Tanzania as per 2012 Population and Housing Census statistics show that the number of elderly people have increased to 3.1 million compared to 1.4 million recorded in 2002.
According to the RC the wellbeing of elderly people in the region was still unsatisfactory due to lack of necessities and majorities are suffering from elderly related diseases.
Initially, the Rukwa Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr Denis Bandisa said the establishment of council of elders is in line with implementation of ageing policy and United Nations Principles for older persons adopted by General Assembly resolutions 46/91 of December 16th 1991.
RAS Bandisa further explained that older persons should enjoy human fundamental rights and freedom including full respect for their dignity, beliefs, needs and privacy as well as rights to make decisions over their care and the quality of their lives.
“They should also enjoy promotion of social progress and better standard of life in larger freedom,” he added During the event, Mr Timoth Makaza was elected Chairman of the Council of Elders, while the Vice-Chairman post went to Mr Deusderius Sikazwe. Mr Tobias Magazini was elected the council’s secretary.
Others in the list are Ms Jenerith Umela and Mr Nicholas Lufungilo who representatives of the council of elders in the councilors baraza meetings.
