SC directs sufficient care to support for the senior citizens

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the states to provide care, support and priority medical treatment for senior citizens especially to those who are living alone or quarantined from their family during the COVID times.

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan ordered that the governments had to react punctually as per the requirements of the senior citizens and to ensure that they will not suffer financially during COVID-19. They should get pensions on time. The court ordered that all the old age people should get their pensions on time, should be provided basic amenities like masks, sanitizers and other essential goods by respective states. When any individual request is made the same shall be attended by the administration with all due care and promptness.

Senior Advocate Ashwini Kumar said that the old people are fighting loneliness and depression. The lock down of past few months and social isolation implemented was telling on senior citizens, leaving many of them in anxiety, Mr. Kumar, a former Union Law Minister, said. The court said that the senior citizens should be given top priority in government hospitals admission during the COVID times. The bench also directed that the person who gives care in old-age homes should wear personal protection equipment kit (PPE) and should follow the proper sanitation process.