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Welfare plan for senior citizens discussed

The number of elderly among the Emirati population is set to rise to 6 per cent and 11 per cent in 2017 and 2023 respectively, according to a national plan for the welfare of elderly people which was discussed at a meeting of the Ministerial Council for Services (MCS) at the Presidential Palace here recently.

Chaired by Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the meeting reviewed the plan which seeks to provide senior citizens with comprehensive healthcare services, integrate them in the community mainstream, secure proper income for them to live decently in a friendly environment and ensure their rights in consideration that current Emiratis, who will age in future, should be more energetic, dynamic and healthier so as to be more productive until later in their lives.

The council also examined a variety of proposed executive policies put forward by the Ministry of Education, including merging the science and arts streams in one track in the secondary level and cancellation of the preparatory year in universities.

Among issues that came under discussion were two recommendations by the Federal National Council on promoting national identity and the Ministry of Public Works’ policy on building low-cost houses and federal roads.

The council discussed a number of topics on its agenda and took appropriate action on them.