MINSK, 21 April (BelTA) – The medium life span in Belarus is expected to exceed 74 years in 2017, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said during his annual State of the Nation Address on 21 April, BelTA has learned.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that increasing life expectancy is an important task for the country. “This year it should reach 75 years or make at least 74 years. It is not the limit for us, however,” he said.
No social program has been stopped and will not be curtailed despite the economic difficulties. Services for the elderly will be further improved. “Our war and labor veterans, who defended our Motherland, developed our industry and agriculture, will not be left without support. The state will ensure them with timely pensions which amount will be revised upwards every time salaries go up,” the Belarusian leader said. In his words, the state will continue supporting law-income families and senior citizens, and also those who cannot work.
“Unfortunately, the number of people who require permanent care is not decreasing. We have over 500,000 people with disabilities. We must create decent living standards for them,” Alexander Lukashenko said. Specialized centers provide comfortable accommodation for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Territorial social centers offer a wide range of services at affordable prices. A new mechanism of social public contracts is being introduced. It allows non-government organizations to provide such services. This is a promising area.
“We should create all necessary conditions so that people with disabilities could receive good education, professional skills and be in demand on the labor market,” the head of state said.
