The National Federation of Pensioners and Retired people has said that between 196 and 221 pensioners die of hunger each month in the country, as their pensions are not enough to cover their basic needs.
Government pensioners receive only RD$5,117 per month, whereas the family food basket has risen to RD$25,000.
The Federation has asked the government to increase pensions to RD$10,000 a month, and those who are currently receiving RD$10,000 should have it increased to RD$50,000. The president of the Federation, Reverend Emilio Lopez Munoz, said that pensioners are condemned to dying of hunger due to the lack of food, medicines and medical care.