Mereseini Vuniwaqa [Source: Fijian Government]

The Social Welfare Ministry has three schemes to help address the needs and welfare of the elderly.

Minister responsible, Mereseini Vuniwaqa says this includes the free bus fare scheme, the social pension scheme, and the insurance protection scheme.

While responding to question by the Opposition in parliament on the initiatives in place by the ministry to cater for the elderly, Vuniwaqa says the insurance is the latest scheme where they can get up to $3000 as insurance cover.

“The insurance protection, it makes them eligible for money up to $3000 in a case of injury, or where there is a fire to their homes or if they do pass away, the family gets money for funeral assistance up to a thousand dollars and for those 70 years and under they get $3000 on top of that as a form of life insurance.”

Vuniwaqa says those over the age of 65 are eligible to be part of the three schemes.

The Minister adds that the FijiFirst government is the first to put in place a standalone law called the national council of older persons act to meet the needs of the elderly.