Fare concessions, more care for elderly

Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine el-Qabbag on Sunday attended a function marking International Day for the Older Persons (IDOP).
The event was organised by the Ministry of Social Solidarity, in co-operation with Nasser Social Bank.
The overall umbrella theme for the United Nations IDOP in 2022 is “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World.”
During the ceremony, el-Qabbag honoured elderly and retired ministry officials for their leadership role and expertise.

The minister said that the government considers the social, economic, health and cultural rights of the elderly of the utmost importance, particularly their entitlement to a decent pension.
El-Qabbag also referred to the National Human Rights Strategy, approved by President Sisi in September 2021, which guarantees the rights of the elderly, especially those with special needs.
The cabinet has approved a draft law on the rights of the elderly and has submitted it for parliamentary debate.
The ministry has launched a series of social protection programmes to help underprivileged families cope with the high costs of living.
Around 500,000 beneficiaries are receiving Karama (Dignity) cash support, in addition to social care services in 164 institutions, 192 clubs for the elderly and 76 physiotherapy centres nationwide.

The minister reviewed previous government efforts to care for the elderly in recent years.
In January 2019, the ministry launched the ‘elderly companion’ service that assigns caregivers for the elderly. In October 2020, commuters over 60 were given a 50 per cent fare discount. The ministry and the Transport Ministry also agreed to allow people over 70 to use public transport free of charge.
In November 2021, the Health Ministry launched a special healthcare programme for the over 65s.
In December 2021, the Communications and Information Technology Ministry announced the possibility that the over 60s would have free telephone and internet services.
IDOP is intended to draw attention to and challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions about the elderly and ageing.