ISLAMABAD, Jan 9: The government is working on a ten-year project on ageing in collaboration with United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) to improve the health of senior citizen in the country.

The ministry of women development, social welfare and special education is carrying out the project to implement the international plan of action on ageing.

The international plan of action on ageing recognizes that the elderly should enjoy a life of fulfilment, security and active participation in economic, social, cultural and political activities in their societies.

It also recognizes the importance of placing ageing in development agendas as well as strategies for the eradication of poverty among senior citizens. The first phase of the decade-long project is being funded by the UNFPA with an aim to create the foundation for making a sound policy, and to develop strategies for meeting needs of older population along with developing a national policy. Orientation of policy-makers, academies, NGOs and medical and paramedical staff is also envisaged in this phase.

The activities of second and third phase would include establishment of geriatric units in teaching hospitals, setting up resource centres for the elderly at district level with a provision of training of home-care providers, supply of devices such as hearing aids and ensuring an active participation of elderly in social and economic activity as well as social security and poverty prevention.

On the initiative of the ministry of social welfare, Pakistan International Airlines has set up separate counters for senior citizens at all the major airports and reservation centres. Ministry of railways is also considering similar measures.

Ministry of Health has directed all federal government health establishments and provincial health departments to set up separate counters for senior citizens.