Senior citizens struggle to access healthcare: Dr Zahid

Staff Reporter :

BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Wednesday expressed concern that elderly citizens are struggling to access proper healthcare in hospitals.

He said, “Older patients with serious or complicated illnesses are encountering multiple obstacles in receiving treatment in hospitals across the capital. Their misery has reached an unbearable stage due to overcrowding, long queues, excessive waiting periods and insufficient facilities, especially in Dhaka’s large hospitals.”

Dr Zahid was addressing a discussion as the chief guest, organised by the Azhar-Shafiq Foundation at the National Press Club.

Stressing the need for dedicated services, he said that separate facilities and arrangements must be introduced for senior citizens. “If the government can already provide old-age allowances, widow benefits and stipends for freedom fighters, then it is surely possible to open a separate service window and facilities for the elderly-without requiring huge additional funds,” he added.

The BNP leader further underscored the importance of allocating special measures in the national budget for inclusive and sustainable social development. “Senior citizens are not a burden; it is the state’s duty to ensure they live with respect and dignity,” he noted.

The event was chaired by Azhar-Shafiq Foundation President AKM Shamsul Islam Ronju, while Gono Forum Acting President Subrata Chowdhury, General Secretary Mizanur Rahman, and several retired officials from both government and non-government sectors also attended.