Ministry of Gender announces that by 2018, a strong social security system would have been established in the country.
Deputy Minister of Gender Mohamed Zahid made this announcement on VTV’s talk show ‘Fasmanzaru’. Describing the current social security system as lacking, Zahid said that work is underway to amend the faults in the system and establishing a stronger system for social security.
He said that there was a good social security system in place in 2007, which was established with assistance from UNICEF. He said that strong measures were taken, necessary infrastructure was established and staff was trained at a massive scale.
“However, when we revisited it in 2013, even the staff we trained is no longer in the system. The way the places were functioning in providing the services was not up to par. Therefore we have planned it again and that is how we are now proceeding”, Zahid commented.
He said that the new changes would ensure that those who need protection, care and safety would gain benefits. He said that special arrangements would be made to assist the elderly, children and those with special needs. Zahid noted that knowing their situation is an important part of their work.
“What we know now is that such and such person lives in such and such house. We do not know his situation. We only come to know the situation when something out of the ordinary happens. When our work is done, we would like to ensure that the government would be notified of their situation at least once a month”, Zahid explained.
He said that authorities would not wait to be notified, but would take the initiative to check on their situation. He noted that despite the MVR 5000 allowance given by the state to the elderly, it has come to their notice that some elderly people face destitute situations. He said that for some families, it has become very difficult to get bed ridden people to hospital and to take care of their needs.
“Regardless of where the patient is based in the country, the government will arrange doctors and nurses to visit them. We are hoping that necessary work will be completed by 2018 to begin providing these services”, Zahid said.