A New Chapter for Retirees: Pension Fund Chief Outlines Comprehensive Support Plan
In a significant move to enhance the welfare of the nation’s retirees, Dr. Aladdin Azouji, the head of the country’s Pension Fund, has announced a series of new initiatives. These measures, detailed in a recent meeting, focus on digital modernization, expanded benefits, and greater inclusion of retirees in decision-making processes.
Digital Transformation for Healthcare
A cornerstone of the new plan is the full digitization of supplementary insurance procedures. Dr. Azouji announced that all documentation and payments for this insurance will now be processed entirely online.
“Thanks to coordination with the insurer, there will no longer be any need for our respected retirees to visit branches in person,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Dana Insurance Company’s “Dana P” system has been upgraded. The previous cap on medical expense claims has been removed, allowing retirees to upload any medical bill, with payments being processed automatically. This key change is designed to reduce travel burdens and provide easier access to essential healthcare services.
Expanding Service Hubs and Healthy Living
The official also addressed the development of “Hope Houses,” service centers for retirees. With 59 currently active nationwide, Dr. Azouji stated that their activities will be dedicated to educational, health, sports, and electronic services. Successful models from provinces like Isfahan and Kermanshah will be used to transform these centers into primary service hubs.
A nationwide program to educate retirees on healthy aging and lifestyle is also set to launch this winter. The curriculum will cover healthy living, psychological and social skills, and the prevention of social isolation.
Enhanced Travel and Financial Benefits
In a boost for retirees’ quality of life, travel subsidies have been reinstated. Retirees can once again benefit from a 50% subsidy for using domestic tourist hotels, with the goal of doubling or even tripling the number of beneficiaries from 150,000 to over 300-400 thousand.
New welfare packages are also in development, focusing on increasing purchasing power through discount schemes and low-interest loans. Dr. Azouji confirmed that 350,000 retirees will receive a 4% loan from Export Bank by the end of the current year, with Bank Refah also prepared to increase its payouts.
A New Voice in Governance
Emphasizing a new era of participatory management, Dr. Azouji highlighted the vital role of retirees themselves. Three representatives from retiree associations will now act as management advisors to the fund’s CEO.
He also announced that, pending legal approval, a retiree representative will be introduced as an observer member to the Supervisory Board. This step is intended to make internal processes more transparent and collaborative.
The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to strengthening services, increasing pensions, and elevating the overall welfare of retirees, marking a proactive and comprehensive approach to supporting this valued segment of society.