The Supreme Council of Ministers is working on a new law which will protect the rights of Qatar’s elderly, says the Gulf Times.

The paper quotes Dr Wafaa al-Yazeedi, member of the Gulf Committee for the Healthcare of the Elderly, as saying that those found abusing the elderly will face a severe penalty.

“The most important of the 14 components of the law is the one ensuring the rights of the elderly and protecting them from abuse, either from family members, the community or the state…Violation of this particular clause carries a grave punishment.” 

The government has also announced the opening of community rehabilitation centres which will treat elderly people in their own community rather than at Hamad Hospital.

The centres will offer physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy and social services all under one roof.

There are also plans to open a second building at Hamad’s specialist nursing facility  to provide long-term care for elderly patients who need 24-hour care. 

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Rosie O’Beirne