In a digital shift towards online government services, many elderly citizens in Bahrain are struggling to navigate the complex bureaucratic processes. With ministries increasingly requiring service requests to be submitted online, what used to be simple tasks are now taking months to complete, causing frustration among the elderly population. Abdullah Al Qubaisi, a Member of the Northern Municipal Council, has recognized this issue and is advocating for ministries to reopen their doors and make processes more accessible to all citizens.
Al Qubaisi argues that when citizens do visit ministry offices, they are often redirected to the website for further follow-up, a practice that he finds unacceptable. This reliance on online platforms has significantly extended the time it takes to resolve issues that could have been handled in a matter of days in the past. The elderly, in particular, are struggling with the online-only approach, making it crucial for ministries to provide alternative methods for them to access services.
To address these challenges, Al Qubaisi is calling for a more personal approach from service ministries. He is urging ministries to dedicate at least one day a week to direct interactions between officials and citizens, especially the elderly. These face-to-face meetings would not only improve overall satisfaction with the services provided but also make it easier for citizens to discuss their needs and receive prompt assistance.
Al Qubaisi recognizes the importance of state ministries and the services they offer but stresses the need for practical adjustments to ensure the needs of all citizens are met. He firmly believes that direct interaction is key to enhancing service satisfaction and effectively resolving the challenges faced by citizens and residents. By providing opportunities for in-person interactions, ministries can bridge the gap between the digital world and the needs of the elderly population, ultimately improving the overall service delivery.
With the digitalization of government services becoming the norm, it is essential to consider the varying needs of all citizens, including the elderly. The frustrations faced by elderly individuals in navigating complex online platforms highlight the importance of maintaining a balance between digitalization and traditional methods of service delivery. By incorporating direct interactions into their service offerings and making processes more accessible, ministries can ensure that all citizens, regardless of age or technological proficiency, can easily access the services they need.
In conclusion, the advocacy of Abdullah Al Qubaisi for reopening ministry doors and allowing for direct interactions between officials and citizens is a step in the right direction towards improving service satisfaction and accessibility for all Bahraini citizens. By acknowledging the challenges faced by the elderly in the digital shift, ministries can tailor their services to meet the needs of all citizens, ultimately creating a more inclusive and efficient system for delivering government services.
