Elderly ‘struggle’ as ministries go online

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The digital shift in government services has left many elderly citizens at their wits’ end, grappling with an overwhelming maze of bureaucracy. As ministries insist on online platforms for service requests, what used to be simple tasks now stretch out over months, leading to mounting frustration.

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, a Member of the Northern Municipal Council, has stepped in, urging government ministries to reopen their doors and make processes more accessible.

Practice

He argues that when citizens visit ministry offices, they’re frequently directed back to the website for follow-ups, a practice he deems unacceptable.

This system has extended the resolution time for issues that previously took mere days, as the online-only approach complicates matters for many elderly individuals.

Al Qubaisi has called on service ministries to set aside at least one day a week for direct interactions between officials and citizens. He pointed out the current difficulty many citizens face in meeting officials to discuss their needs.

Al Qubaisi stressed the importance of these face-to-face meetings, particularly for the elderly, suggesting they would significantly improve satisfaction with the work of service ministries. He acknowledged the essential role of state ministries but highlighted the need for practical adjustments.

Direct interaction, he believes, is key to enhancing service satisfaction and effectively resolving the challenges faced by citizens and residents.