ISLAMABAD: By 2050, the population of elderly people will be higher than that of children, and the average age will also have increased, leaving the elderly in a vulnerable situation.

However, a recent meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA) has created an opportunity to take measures to assist elderly people who may become disabled as they age.

During the WHA, a side meeting on disability was organised for the first time, where a list of assistive products, or helping aids, was launched and Pakistan was declared the ‘pilot country’.

In countries like Pakistan, there has long been a culture of children taking responsibility of their aging parents. However, the sense that the state should take responsibility of providing comfort to the elderly and ensure a quality life for them has increased.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) disabilities and rehabilitation technical advisor Dr Maryam Mallick told Dawn that in the coming years, it will become a huge problem to look after the aging population.

“Elderly people will not be able to work and earn for themselves. On the other hand, they will need medicines and a number of assistive devices to spend a quality life. So it has to be made the state’s responsibility to take care of them.

“During the WHA held in Geneva last month, the issue was discussed and consideration has been started,” she said.

“It has been decided that in October this year, the issue will be taken up in the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean regional committee, and after approval from there, the matter will be referred to the WHA. After that it will be the obligation for 196 states to ensure quality life for the elderly,” she explained.

In response to a question, Dr Mallick said it would be suggested that elderly individuals be included in the Prime Minister’s National Health Programme, so that they can avail facilities through the insurance programme.

Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) Secretary Ayub Sheikh said that the matter is being considered globally, but approval from the WHA is required for implementation.

“Pakistan will actively pursue the matter at all the forums, because while there is currently a youth bulge in the country, but after a few decades they will be included in the category of elderly people,” he said.

“Average age is increasing in the country, so it will only be possible for the state to take care of the elderly,” he added.

The WHO Executive Board has chosen Pakistan as the pilot country for the launch of the Assistive Technology Programme. The NHS ministry director general, Dr Asad Hafeez, is the board’s vice president.

The first regional consultation on assistive technology will be held in Pakistan this year.

According to documents available with Dawn the 50 helping aids which are to be provided for free include alarm signallers with light/sound/vibration, audio players, Braille displays, Braille writing equipment, canes, chairs for showers/baths/toilets, communication software, deaf-blind communicators, GPS locators, hearing aids (digital) and batteries, magnifiers, personal digital assistants, pill organisers, simplified mobile phones, tricycles, video communication devices and wheelchairs.

According to the document, there are currently over a billion people that need one or more helping aids. The majority of them are elderly people or people with disabilities.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2016