Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan made important statements about pensioners. Announcing new works, Işıkhan said that pensioners will be able to benefit from public facilities at a 15 percent discount. Dormitories within KYK will also be opened for free use for pensioners in the summer months.
Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan made important statements at the “Social Security Week Meeting” program held at the Social Security Institution (SGK) Presidency. Pointing out that the SSI has great responsibilities regarding pensions, Mr. Işıkhan said that this year has been declared as the “Year of Pensioners” and that they aim to increase the welfare level of pensioners.
Işıkhan stated that they have entered a period in which the opportunities for pensioners will diversify and increase, and said, “We are moving the Social Security Institution to a new service model. SGK will no longer be an institution that pays only salaries and bonuses. We are transforming it into a structure that will also provide social services to our retirees and improve their quality of life.” Within the scope of this model, a wide range of services ranging from health services to social activities will be offered to retirees.
New Communication Platform and Services
Işıkhan said that a communication platform will be established where pensioners can directly convey their demands and expectations and that pensioners will be able to reach SSI consultants with a single phone call. In addition, technological solutions will be put in place to facilitate the lives of pensioners and the “emekliler.gov.tr” website will be made available in a short time.
New Services for Pensioners
Stating that many stakeholders have supported the realization of new services, Işıkhan said: “Dormitories within the Credit and Dormitories Institution will be opened for free use by our pensioners for one month in the summer months. The facilities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports will also be offered to our pensioners free of charge. Our pensioners will be able to benefit from public guesthouses, teachers’ houses, social facilities and guesthouses with a 15% discount. Special discounts will be provided for pensioners in the guesthouses and social facilities of our trade unions. PTTcell has created a special Pensioner Package for pensioners and offers discounts on PTT Cargo. TCDD provided pensioners with a 10% discount on main line trains throughout the year. In cooperation with YÖK, we are expanding the 3rd Age University based on Intergenerational Solidarity and Active Aging. In addition, within the framework of the protocol signed with banks with our domestic and national payment system Troy, bill payments, pharmacy and market expenditures, discounts in clothing stores will be defined with pensioner cards.”
Stating that with the new SSI service model, they are aiming for a system where pensioners actively participate in society and create added value, Işıkhan said that negotiations with other ministries and institutions are ongoing and many more innovations will be delivered to pensioners.
Digital Transformation and “SSI Co-Pilot” Application
Stating that he has attached importance to digital transformation projects since he took office, Işıkhan announced that they will launch a new application equipped with technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analysis and machine learning in order to provide more effective, efficient, fast and powerful public services. He stated that the “SGK Co-Pilot” (Support Pilot) application aims to enable loss and leakage, abuse, anomaly detection, decision-making with data, risk-oriented auditing, smart assistant and predictive modeling applications with data. The project aims to reduce health reimbursement invoice costs, activate health invoice services and use the workforce efficiently.
Fake Insurance and Fake Workplace Monitoring Platform
Stating that they have implemented the “Fake Insurance and Fake Workplace Monitoring Platform” project in order to prevent abuses in social security, Mr. Işıkhan said that with this project, they have taken the necessary precautions by identifying those who disrupt the social security rights of citizens and pursue unfair gains.
Stating that they will continue to work for pensioners to live a healthier, happier and more peaceful life, Işıkhan said, “We know the expectations of our valuable pensioners very well. We are committed to our 12th Development Plan targets and the Medium Term Program. With a meticulous and disciplined economic policy, we aim to meet your expectations and increase your welfare permanently.”
