Jimoh Ahmed, Owo

Pensioners and elderly people from Akoko area of Ondo State have decried the high cost of drugs and essential consumables, saying it poses danger to their lives.

The elderly people stated this while reacting to the current inflationary trends in the country.

A retired senior civil servant from Afin Akoko, Mrs Bosede Fatimehin, said the daily increase in the price of drugs meant for elders to manage old age ailments have gone above the reach of common people.

According to Fatimehin, many are gradually dying due to high cost of drugs and food items in the market.

A retired teacher from Akungba Akoko, Chief Seriki Awesu, said elderly people are presently bearing the brunt of the ongoing economic hardship as many can no more afford good food ,medication and other necessities of that will sustain them.

The duo of Fatimehin and Awesu appealed to the government to promptly pay gratuity and pensions, procure drugs at subsidized prices to public hospitals and health centres while elderly people must benefit handsomely from the distribution of palliatives to cushion the effects of removal of oil subsidy.