The government plans to establish elderly rehabilitation complexes in every upazila across Bangladesh, Prime Minister’s Health Affairs Adviser Dr Zia Haider has said.
He made the announcement on Sunday while speaking to journalists after visiting a privately run elderly care and rehabilitation centre in the Hotapara area of Gazipur.
Dr Zia Haider said the government's plan goes beyond simply providing elderly people with accommodation.
According to him, the proposed rehabilitation facilities would focus on ensuring healthcare, safe living conditions and other essential services for senior citizens.
The government is also considering ways to utilise the skills, experience and expertise of elderly people by creating opportunities for them to earn an income, he said.
“The government's goal is not merely to provide accommodation for older people. We also want to ensure their healthcare and create opportunities to utilise their skills and experience.”
The health adviser said the government is working toward developing similar rehabilitation facilities in every upazila of the country.
The planned complexes would provide elderly people with a secure place to live while ensuring access to medical care and other necessary facilities.
The initiative could particularly benefit elderly people who are vulnerable, living alone or separated from their families, officials and people concerned with elderly welfare said.
A permanent and humane rehabilitation system could help improve the quality of life of senior citizens while providing them with greater security and dignity.
During his visit to the privately established elderly and rehabilitation centre in Hotapara, Dr Zia Haider inspected its facilities and discussed various aspects of elderly care.
Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan and officials of the elderly and rehabilitation centre were present during the visit.
The proposed nationwide network of elderly rehabilitation complexes could mark a significant step toward strengthening elderly care and social protection in Bangladesh, particularly as the country faces growing demand for organised care and support for senior citizens.
