Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has called on business houses, transport sector, financial institutions and service providers to improve accessibility not only for pensioners but also our elderly population.
Kiran highlighted this while officiating the Fiji Pensioners’ Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Fiji Football Association Headquarters in Suva.
She shared concerns raised on the need to improve accessibility into public transport including lowering of steps and allocated seating arrangements on all public transport.
“Seating spaces and personnel to prioritize serving the elderly in banks and medical facilities, to ensure they are not kept waiting in long queues. There is a need for access to parking and priority services in retail and service sector.”
“As part of development initiatives, it is only right that we develop an understanding of the ageing process, pay a little more attention to their needs and improve their access to basic services if we are to be an age-inclusive society. Not only because we owe it to them, more importantly it will ensure their rights and well-being are taken care of and they continue to live a life of dignity,” Kiran remarked.
Kiran acknowledged the invaluable contribution they have committed towards nation building, saying that it is only appropriate that we as a nation recognize, acknowledge that their wisdom and good deeds over the years has positively impacted our lives today.
The Fiji Pensioner’s Association has 400 members and is now open to Social Pensioners as well.
