KUWAIT CITY, June 15, (KUNA): Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Khalid Al-Sahlawi on Wednesday asserted the ministry’s keenness to develop an integrated strategy for the care of the elderly in order to put an end to the abuse cases against this segment of the category.

Al-Sahlawi told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), which falls on June 15 each year, that to care for the elderly is a priority for the ministry which has been keen to create a special department and specialized clinics for them in primary health centers as well as special cards that guarantee them advantages while receiving medical services.

He added that the ministry is working to care for the elderly from various health, psychological and social aspects, pointing out that the Kuwaiti society and societies of the Arabian Gulf generally are more adherent to the principles of respect and reverence for the elderly. He said that the care of this group is a joint responsibility of the community that needs concerted government efforts besides support of their families, especially people with neurological diseases or complications from chronic diseases.