More elderly and disabled Fijians will need help in day-to-day living - Vuniwaqa

An increasing number of Fijians are likely to need some help in their day‑to‑day living due to old age and disabilities.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa while delivering her opening remarks on their visit to the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea.

Vuniwaqa says that government through the Ministry for Women is committed to achieving its mandate to address the issues faced by women, children, families, persons living with disabilities and older persons in Fiji.

A four member Fijian delegation is visiting the Government of the Republic of Korea to explore opportunities and appreciate how services for the Aged are designed, implemented and monitored for sustainability.

Vuniwaqa says that the main purpose of their visit is to see first‑hand the policies and programs in relation to Aged Care  and contextualize it to suit the care of the elderly back in Fiji particularly those who reside in State Homes.

Meanwhile $2m has been allocated in the 2018‑2019 budget towards the renovation and upgrading of the 3 State administered Institutional Homes in Samabula, Lautoka and Labasa.

The delegation will be visiting the care facilities in the days to come to study infrastructure designs and programs in each care facility so that it can be contextualized into the 3 state homes back in Fiji.