Italian prime minister Romano Prodi, who is taking extreme measures to strengthen the economy of the country, has solemnly declared that he is taking precautions to safeguard the interests of the pensioners.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. It is easy for the latter to pronounce himself as one who is “fighting” the plight of the elderly, but words are cheap and actions speak louder.

There is no doubt everybody knows that certain medication is not given free of charge once an elderly person reaches the 75-year-old mark. This means that the older you become, the less privileged you are, instead of the reverse happening!

The Ombudsman specifically appealed to the government to alter these merciless regulations after an elderly person sorrowfully confronted the former to plead his cause. As yet, the procedure of allowing 75-year-olds the right to have free medication to lower their cholesterol level is still denied.

St Luke’s Hospital, up to this moment in time, does not supply certain free medication to all those pensioners who on Budget day only receive two-thirds of any allowance that might be bandied about to keep “afloat” because of the high cost of living.

Where is the social conscience Dr Gonzi has raved so much about? Where is the charity – certainly most deserved by the elderly, who have given so much to our country? Where is the peace of mind that was once promised by the government of the day?

Maybe it’s time the Prime Minister took a leaf out of Romano Prodi’s book and “highlighted” the priorities of our pensioners!

Valerie Borg

Valletta