Patna, Oct. 1: Helpage India’s Patna wing today organised a meet to celebrate “International Day for Older Person”.

“No one is utilising our services. We are always there to help the society,” said B.K. Derhgawen, a 78-year-old retired additional-district judge.

Present at the meet were health experts, including Dr Sachidanand Singh, former director A.N. Sinha Institute, Dr Mahabir Das, former director-in-chief, health, government of Bihar, Dr Manoranjan Chaturvedi, former director-in-chief, health, government of Bihar, and Dr Swapnil Majumdar, executive director, Bihar Voluntary Health Association.

The meet was held to discuss health problems of the senior citizens. Talking about their state, the senior citizens got emotional and could not control their tears.

Most senior citizens present at the meet complained of poor facilities for them like few job opportunities after retirement, lodging issues, health, sanitation and medicine concerns. They urged the government to help them with proper amenities.

“The Government of Bihar is providing opportunities in educational sector but there is no role of senior citizens there. We have been neglected as if we have nothing to give to society. Experience is now the qualification certificate for jobs and I think we are the most experienced people,” said Derhagawen.

Dr Mahabir Das said: “There has been a difference in opinions of generations. ‘Self’ is now cropping up in every thought. Older people are also not untouched. The Bihar government should assure that it is working for the senior citizens by giving them pensions. Not just pension, and health, housing facilities too should be included in the benefits. There is a need of proper implementation of the programmes being run for older people in society. Unless the society, NGOs and the government join hands to meet the problems of senior citizens, the issues won’t be solved,” said Dr. Sachidanand Singh.

Anand Prasad, a mining engineer, said: “Government should add a special provision in the taxes and keep a detached a special inspection body for proper functioning of the programmes.”

“Helpage India is doing a great service for people like us. I am one of them whom Helpage has given a ray of hope. Earlier I could not even stand properly. Helpage helped in my treatment of Osteoarthritis and now I can walk like before,” said Annapurna Sinha, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha’s cousin.

Helpage initiated a signature campaign to promote cause of senior citizens so that after elections are over, they can raise their voice and demand their rights.