A group of legislators has called on the government to reinstate annual financial support for day care centres serving parents and senior citizens.
The proposal is spearheaded by MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi and backed by four other MPs.
It urges the government to direct the Social Development Ministry to restore the yearly funding that was halted several years ago.
The motion is scheduled for debate during parliament session on Tuesday.
Mr Al Olaiwi stressed that restoring the support is essential to ensure the continued operation of the 13 day care homes, associations and institutions currently providing services to elderly citizens.
“These centres are vital pillars of social care in Bahrain,” he said. “Reinstating the annual financial support will help guarantee their sustainability and enable them to continue delivering humanitarian, social and family-focused services to a cherished segment of our society.”
The day care homes operate under a community partnership model that seeks to unify efforts between the government, civil society organisations and the private sector.
According to Mr Al Olaiwi, the centres offer a wide range of services including social, health and family care programmes, workshops and recreational activities aimed at enhancing the well-being of senior citizens.
“They strive to provide comprehensive care while promoting social integration and strengthening communication among elderly citizens,” he said.
“These centres offer a suitable environment that respects the privacy and dignity of senior citizens, away from isolation in residential facilities, while benefiting from their experience and contributions to society.”
The MP highlighted that Bahrain has long prioritised elderly care, noting that the kingdom was among the first Arab countries to establish a National Committee for the Elderly in 1984, with services evolving in line with growing needs.
However, he warned that day care centres are currently facing mounting financial challenges that threaten their ability to continue and expand their services.
“Rising operational costs and the increasing number of beneficiaries have placed significant pressure on these institutions,” he said. “Government support is a fundamental factor in empowering them to sustain their humanitarian and charitable role.”
Mr Al Olaiwi added that the proposal is grounded in the urgent need to maintain and further develop government financial backing to ensure the continuity and quality of services provided to senior citizens.
“These institutions previously received support from the Social Development Ministry, and today they look forward to its reinstatement to maintain and enhance the services they provide,” he said.
According to latest data from the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO), the total number of pensioners in the public and private sector reached 86,003 individuals that includes 31,632 females.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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