66 : RIGHTS OF THE VULNERABLE G] Rights of Older Persons 6.30 The Commission is represented on the National Council for Older Persons constituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The first meeting of this Council was held on 13 June 2000 when a draft long-term Action Plan (2000-2005) was discussed in relation to the implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons. The Commission thereafter considered the draft Action Plan and its comments and suggestions on that Plan were conveyed to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Annexure 6). The Commission also decided that there was need to mobilise the eftorts of all concerned on behalf of the elderly and that all areas of activity should be identified carefully. Additionally, the Commission took the view that assistance should be permitted to those who are already engaged in constructive activities. In the light of this, the Commission held two rounds of discussions with Non-Governmental Organisations working for the rights of older persons. Arising out of these discussions, the Commission sought the response of the Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment, Law, Justice and Company Affairs, Home Affairs, Finance, Health and Family Welfare and Insurance Companies on the following suggestions that had been made: • Medical insurance cover for older persons beyond 70 years and as long as they live. • Provision of separate queues for older persons in hospitals. • Need for increasing old age homes facilities. Every major hospital/district hospital and primary health centre must have a separate wing for older persons and a hospice for the terminally ill, ftmded by the Government. • Ascertain from the various States the action being taken by them to check abuse of the elderly and the action that they proposed to take to protect the rights of the aged. • Pensions for older persons. • Provision in the Indian Penal Code to make abuse of the elderly an offense punishable under law. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION