People and Social Development Minister Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh displays a map of Trinidad in Parliament, yesterday.
Photo: Marcus Gonzales

Government is moving to establish a system for citizens to use the latest communication technology to seek medical attention at public hospitals in T&T. The revelation comes from People and Social Development Minister Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh in his presentation of a bill to discontinue the Senior Citizens’ Grant (to be replaced by an increased Old Age Pension). “Through the Ministry of the People, the Government will introduce emergency interface at every public health institution in T&T,” he said.

To the sound of loud desk-thumping, Ramadharsingh added: “It will allow for a multi-modal communication for you to email, text, buzz and send a video message to a centre that will monitor and evaluate how your complaints and your (health) issues are treated with.” He said it will be similar to the existing 911 system in the United States. He told legislators his ministry had received over 6,000 complaints thus far. He said the $500 increase in Old Age Pension “comes with a little bit of love.”

He promised sweeping changes to Old Age Pension in T&T. “Expensive changes will be proposed to this House in the shortest possible time frame to ensure that the Senior Citizens’ Pension is more responsive to the needs and realities of older persons,” he stressed. He added that residential qualification for the pension will be revised. The minister said all existing poverty reduction initiatives in T&T are to be reviewed.