Govt Must Adopt A Universal Pension Scheme: Older Persons Board

THE national Older Persons Board has called on government to introduce a universal pension scheme tailor-made to cushion the country’s aged population.

This came out Thursday during the belated national International Day of Older Persons celebrations held in Mutare at Zororai Old People’s Home in Sakubva high density suburb.

The celebrations were officiated by Public service, Labour and Social Welfare minister Paul Mavima.

The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 each year.

Under the confines of Older Persons Act of 2012, Older Persons Board carries the responsibility of formulating and designing policies that ensure the well-being, care and protection of senior citizens.

In basic terms, a universal pension can be defined as a non-contributory, basic pension that can guarantee a regular income in old age to all residents of the country despite earning or occupation.

Older Persons Board Chairperson Priscilla Gavi urged government to implement a universal pensions scheme, saying many older persons’s pensions were eroded during the hyperinflationary era in 2008.

” After the hyperinflationary era, many older persons in the country were left with no descent earnings hence we appeal to our listening government to come up with universal pension. This will enable everyone to be eligible for a pension which will help them survive during their old ages. Government must look into that area because such a pension system will ensure that all older persons have some form of social security,” Gavi said.

She said that senior citizens are struggling to get medication despite a policy that allows them to be treated for free at government hospitals.

“Older persons are struggling to get medication, specialist treatment like dental care and eye health inspection. If we could have a universal health pension, it will assist older people to access things like x-ray, spectacles, and some other forms of special treatment. This will be of great help because when people get old, they will not be able to fend for themselves,” she said.

“Universal pensions are all over the region in countries like South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia. It is usually funded by government fiscus whereby they will make a yearly allocation to Universal Pensions. In most cases it is supported by donors, but government must play a pivotal role,” said Gavi.

The Zimbabweans pension system is often unable to serve its purpose hence a non-contributory basic pension will guarantee income for senior citizens despite their earning or occupation.

Available data shows that over the next three decades, the sum of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double thereby reaching more than 1,5 billion persons in 2050.

It is estimated that all regions will witness a surge in older population between 2019 and 2050.

–NewZimbabwe

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