Supporting the Elderly: Sharjah’s “Ijaba” Service Hits Over 2,600 Deliverables
In a noteworthy development for social welfare in the UAE, Kholoud Al Ali, the Director of the Senior Citizens Services Center, disclosed that the innovative “Ijaba” service has successfully provided 2,692 essential services since it launched. This initiative stands out as a beacon of support for the elderly and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance to navigate various administrative and healthcare processes.
Understanding the Ijaba Service
The “Ijaba” service is designed to bridge gaps in service delivery for vulnerable members of society—primarily the elderly and those with disabilities. The types of assistance delivered through the initiative are diverse and crucial. For instance, the Ijaba team has facilitated the renewal of health cards for 599 individuals, issued 518 ID cards, and processed 596 passport renewals. Apart from these essential documents, the service has also managed to secure Sand cards for 443 beneficiaries, contributing to the broader objective of ensuring access to healthcare and social services.
What makes Ijaba particularly impactful is its commitment to ease the burdens associated with data management for individual needs. This includes helping with processes involving funds, pensions, and aid from various granting agencies, especially for those residing in care homes. With 536 beneficiaries receiving help with document transfers through various means, it is evident that Ijaba is not just a service but a crucial lifeline for many.
Operational Framework Designed for Compassion
The framework of the Ijaba service is structured with empathy and practicality at its core. Initially, the program operated with case managers who specialized in overseeing registered cases within the department. These professionals worked diligently to pinpoint areas where individuals may have faced delays or deficiencies in renewing vital identification documents. When these issues arose, the center reached out to beneficiaries, offering assistance to sort out any pending paperwork. Importantly, individuals have the autonomy to opt in or out of this support, ensuring that they feel comfortable and empowered in their engagement with local authorities.
This approach to service delivery illustrates a significant shift in mindset; rather than waiting for individuals to seek help, the Ijaba program actively seeks out those in need.
Proactive Measures: A Step Further
With the second phase of the Ijaba initiative, the focus has shifted toward a more proactive stance. By leveraging departmental data, the service is better positioned to identify those requiring specific services, which has led to a substantial increase in the number of requests being processed. Collaboration has been key in this phase, as the service works alongside various government bodies like the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, the Sharjah City Municipality, and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
This network of collaboration enables streamlined processes that dramatically improve the efficiency of service delivery. For instance, ID and health card renewals, bill payments, and transaction clearances can now be handled much more smoothly, cutting down on wait times and bureaucratic red tape. Notably, the financial model associated with these services often balances between the department and the beneficiaries, with exceptions made for cases that require complete assistance either from the department or the individuals concerned.
Why This Matters
The implications of the Ijaba service extend beyond the mere numbers of services provided. By ensuring that elderly individuals and people with disabilities receive timely support for their bureaucratic needs, the initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing their quality of life. It supports social inclusion and dignity among one of society’s most vulnerable groups.
As people live longer and the demographic balance shifts, it is imperative that social services continue to evolve to meet the needs of an aging population. The Ijaba service is a commendable step in this direction, reflecting a commitment from the Sharjah government to not only recognize but also address the unique challenges faced by these individuals.
In conclusion, Kholoud Al Ali’s announcement about the Ijaba service is not just a statistic; it’s a call to action for other regions to consider similar initiatives. The importance of taking care of our elders and vulnerable populations cannot be overstated. As societies continue to develop rapidly, the services like Ijaba not only provide necessary administrative assistance but also promote societal empathy and responsibility, setting a standard for community care in the region.
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