President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to conduct a survey to establish a national registry of senior citizens and people with disabilities.

The President made this decision upon his cabinet’s recommendation, on Sunday.

This decision was made following deliberations on a paper submitted to the Cabinet by the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works.

As such, the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works and the Ministry of Social and Family Development will collaborate to conduct a nationwide survey to create a national database of senior citizens and people with disabilities.

During the initial survey planning phase, a technical team comprising relevant agencies will be formed. In islands with fewer than 1,000 residents, the island council would be in charge of conducting the survey.

Likewise, guidelines for employing volunteers to survey islands where the population size exceeds 1,000 will be established.

Under this initiative, the Ministry of Social and Family Development will identify senior citizens and people with disabilities outside the state system to determine the ideal initial assistance based on the data gathered from the survey. More significant decisions were made to guarantee the successful execution of this procedure.

Earlier, President Dr. Muizzu has made the decision to establish social centers for senior citizens.

This decision followed discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Social Development and Family during a Cabinet meeting.

The social centers, specifically designed for senior citizens, aim to enhance their societal contributions by providing ample opportunities to participate actively in social initiatives. A key objective of these centers is to improve the mental and social well-being of the elderly population.

The first social center will be established within the old Centre for Holy Quran premises in Malé.

Additional social centers will be established throughout the islands, working with the Ministries of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, and Health, among other relevant parties.

The administration states that the commitment to establishing social centers for senior citizens across the northern, southern, and central regions, including specific services, is a cornerstone of the presidential pledges made by this Administration and is an integral part of the Administration's strategic 'Hafutha 14' roadmap.