Pensioners say the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) should pay them sustainable payouts to enable them to seek medication anywhere instead of introducing mobile clinics.
Bulawayo Pensioners Forum co-ordinator Winos Dube said mobile clinics were welcome although they were a short-term measure. Said, Dube:
In our presentation to the minister (Labour and Social Welfare), we had indicated that the issue of mobile clinics despite it being of help would not be very effective.
Our argument is that by the time the mobile clinic will be in Gwanda, what will be happening with the people in Bulawayo, Tsholotsho and other places?.
What we are saying is that they better have clinics in every area so that pensioners will be attended there.
If pensioners were being paid sustainable payouts, they would be able to seek medication anywhere in the country.
This comes after NSSA deputy director for marketing Tendayi Mutseyekwa said they were going to introduce mobile clinics across the country to cater for pensioners.
But Dube that the mobile clinics will benefit very few people at any particular point. He said:
They have started to do it here in Bulawayo but we are saying if the clinic is going to open on May 22 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, how many people will have been attended to?
We are talking of pensioners with some failing to walk to Barbourfields Stadium where the mobile clinic will be.
Meanwhile, Mutseyekwa also said NSSA had increased payouts and introduced grocery vouchers for pensioners and widows.
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I just wanted to know if the proposed grocery vouchers will be paid in cash and when they will be paid.
I just wanted to know if the proposed grocery vouchers will be paid in cash and when they will be paid.