Senior Citizens of Dudley Memorial church were hosted to a special celebration in Suva this afternoon.

The annual celebration is an opportunity for the members of the church to show their appreciation and care towards the elderly in the congregation.

At the celebrations, Assistant Health Minister Veena Bhatnagar reminded people of how important it is for all to show our appreciation for senior citizens.

Organised by the womens fellowship arm of the Dudley Memorial church the event also gave the elderly a chance to voice some of their concerns.

One of the major concerns was the amount of time that they spent waiting to be seen by a doctor or a nurse the hospitals or health care centres. They asked the assistant minister veena bhatnagar if this time could be shorted.

Another concern was issuing of cards for the free medicine scheme.

“I am glad that they asked me this question. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is already looking into prioritising our services for senior citizens and children. We will be giving a directive for them to be seen first.”

The celebrations also included a special recognition of one of their longest serving female member of the church Mavis Basawaiya who is 86 years old.

Special certificates were also given out to senior members of the congregation.