IN a move aimed at modernising and improving services for pensioners and persons living with disabilities (PWDs), the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security unveiled an innovative online portal on Tuesday.

This dedicated platform is designed to streamline access to essential services, enhance communication, and foster a more inclusive support system for these communities.

Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, declared that this initiative is transformative. It will revolutionise the way services are accessed by the Ministry, ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, and the utilisation of information, communication, and technology (ICT).

The minister stated that the ministry has taken the lead in utilising ICT for national efforts. “The procedure is straightforward and enables two things. Firstly, we have implemented an improved application process that focuses on honoring our applicants. Instead of solely relying on physical forms, we have transitioned to an online system that allows for streamlined processing. This shift has resulted in a reduction of our delivery time by over 50 per cent.”

Minister Persaud announced that this new initiative is currently being tested in Regions One, Seven, and Four, and there are plans to expand it to other regions such as Two, Three, Five, Six, and 10.

“It is our intention to make this process not only an online process where the internet will be crucial, but an offline process as well. And this is, I think, a tremendous step in the right direction. It also means, that we have to embark on a massive awareness campaign across the country to encourage persons to use this facility. It also requires the youth in the home to work with the senior citizens in the home to ensure that they use this facility.”

She added, “In times past, persons were accustomed to congregating at the Post Offices across the country, to cash their pension; we have moved significantly since then. In the last three years of government, we now have alternate venues that allow our persons living with disabilities and pensioners to have their vouchers using the booklets in cash every day of the month. That is significant.”

“I think we are on track with what we are trying to do, to address our most vulnerable populations and also to address their needs. Inclusivity and accessibility are our keywords. Inclusivity means that whatever services we provide through this ministry should be accessible to everyone,” she remarked.

Additionally, Minister Persaud emphasised that the portal is in harmony with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s and the government’s goal of propelling Guyana into the global arena of digital technology.

Minister Persaud expressed, “Here is where we tackle some of the difficulties experienced by some of our most valuable populations and target populations. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has as a massive part of its responsibility the delivery of services to our senior citizens or pensioners, and persons living with disabilities, as well as persons who access public assistance.”

Furthermore, she included that individuals can stay informed about their applications and the expected timeline for receiving their benefits by providing the required information. The Minister has indicated that the duration of this process is anticipated to be no longer than three to four weeks, with the aim of potentially shortening it to two weeks. Individuals are strongly encouraged to submit their applications a minimum of six weeks prior to their birthdays.

The Ministry is scheduled to initiate a verification exercise on March 01, 2024. This exercise will involve Ministry teams visiting each village, region, and home to collect information on senior citizens and individuals with permanent disabilities. The purpose of this exercise is to proactively anticipate their needs rather than react to them.

For those interested in accessing the portal, the forms can be found at https://oldagepensionform.mhsss.gov.gy/.

In the coming months, the Ministry plans to launch a campaign to educate the public on how to utilise the new service effectively, demonstrating their commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations across Guyana.