Pensioners left to fend for themselves

The discontinuation of medicines to pensioners has shocked many and saddened many more especially since the Pensioners' Association has not spoken up for them.

COMMENT

By Satish Chand Bhandari

Pensioners are in shock over the discontinuation of their supply of medicine through Oratis Services Sdn Bhd. They have been left in a lurch without any explanation or an alternative arrangement.

Without access to medicine, how are they going to manage their health problems?

Some have suggested that pensioners buy their medicine first then submit their claims for reimbursement. This is easier said than done. How do you keep forking out money month after month, then wait for many months more before you are reimbursed?

Claiming money from the government is not so easy. They drag their feet and each month of delay is a source of misery for pensioners. Single income families simply cannot afford to buy their medicine and even if they do by scratching the bottom of the barrel, how do they survive after that?

The GST has sky-rocketed the cost of food; transport is costly; rental has shot up; cost of living has become a nightmare. And I understand that there will be a 6% GST on medicine from April 1.

For those surviving hand to mouth, how are they going to fork out money for their medication? There will be breakdown in their healthcare. And this would be a tragedy.

One would assume – and expect – the Malaysian Government Pensioners’ Association (Magpa) to be at the forefront, speaking up for affected pensioners. Since this troubling news broke out, there has been total silence from Magpa. This is unacceptable.

And what have the civil service unions to say about this? All these pensioners were once their members who paid their dues, held positions in their respective unions and contributed to the welfare of union members. Now that we are retired, aren’t we entitled to be looked after by these unions?

Why has Cuepacs (Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services) suddenly turned dumb? Does it not have a responsibility in this pressing issue? Why are the affiliated unions keeping quiet?

Why is the NUTP (National Union of the Teaching Profession) not voicing its concern as thousands of its retired members are adversely affected by this development?

The unions of yesteryears would have been very vocal, very concerned and would have demanded that this be solved immediately. Alas, that era is gone. We are now saddled with leaders who are perceived to be brazenly speaking up for the government.

Satish Chand Bhandari is an FMT reader.