The association of aged people in Tanzania (SAWATA) has asked the government to provide them with permanent identity cards in order to acquire free treatment in public owned hospitals. 

SAWATA National Chairman Nekemia Kazimoto said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the current procedure that the aged should register at their respective Ward Officers was an unnecessary red tape which causes nepotism loopholes. 

He said most aged people in rural areas experience some problems including improper caring, and issuing them with Ids could solve this problem. 

"We thank the government for giving us free treatment. We now need permanent identity cards to induce the services with no disturbance," said Kazimoto. 

On the aged people policy, which was endorsed in September last year, the chairman challenged the government to involve stakeholders in its implementation from the grassroots. 

"Such implementation needs resources that include beneficiaries in both long and short term bases," he said. 

Meanwhile, SAWATA board of directors' chairman, Clement Rwelamira, has called upon aged people all over the country to join the association since they can share experiences and acquire life skills. 

"This is the ripe time for aged people to join the association and get use of it for their benefit," he stressed. 

Apart from discussing the old age policy, the two days workshop will also look at poverty and old age as elaborated in Poverty Reduction Strategy and the effect of HIV/AIDS to the group.