Kathmandu, February 1:

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MoWCSW) is all set to extend health services to poor senior citizens in Shankhuwashabha, Ramechhap, Sindhupalchowk, Parsa and Kalikot districts. The government has allocated Rs 0.5 million for launching programmes to address their health needs.

The services will be offered to those who are in need to undergo health check-ups immediately. The government will organise health camps for the benefit of physically weak and destitute senior citizens. It will provide at least Rs 2,000 to each needy person.

Each senior citizen, who has made contribution in the fields of arts and culture or indulged in social service in the districts and is going through serious health problems will be given Rs 5,000. The senior citizens will have to submit details of their health problems to get the amount.

The government has been providing such service to senior citizens above 65 years of age since 2001 in 47 districts.