(a) whether a report recently released by UN has stated that India is fast aging and the number of elderly persons is expected to grow from 77 million in 2000 to about 141 million by 2020;
(b) if so, whether the Government have any proposal to formulate a national social security and health care policy for the elderly persons;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a)to(d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 314 FOR 12.3.2003
A report of United Nations Fund for Population Activities (World Population 2002) points out that India`s older population is expected to grow form 77 million in 2000 to about 141 million in 2020.
National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) was announced in January, 1999, by nodal Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. NPOP aims at providing a better and meaningful life for older persons. The major areas of intervention visualized in this policy include financial security, health care and nutrition, shelter/housing, protection of life and property and to provide opportunities for development of the potential of the older people. To operationalise NPOP, the nodal Ministry has set up National Council for Older Persons (NCOP).
The Government has also announced National Health Policy, 2002, with an objective to achieve an acceptable standard of good health amongst the general population including the geriatric population of the country. This policy emphasises increased access to the decentralised public health system by establishing new infrastructure and upgrading the existing ones to ensure a more equitable access to health services across the social and geographical expanse of the country.