Information circulated widely on social media earlier this week alleging that civil servants required a patient, who is under permanent care, to be physically brought in to complete fingerprint registration in order to extend social welfare benefits. The event quickly drew public attention and sparked widespread criticism over bureaucratic insensitivity and the failure to protect vulnerable citizens.
According to reports, the patient was carried into the One-Stop Service Center of the Civil Registration Office in Chingeltei District, where officials proceeded with fingerprint scanning and registration procedures. Images and accounts of the event prompted strong reactions from the public, many of whom questioned how such practices could persist despite repeated government pledges to digitalize public services.
Social media users sharply condemned the situation, stating, “The government claims we have become a ‘digital nation’, yet citizens continue to face unnecessary hardship. Officials are able to visit homes to collect votes during elections, but when it comes to providing essential services to sick and immobile people, they show a lack of compassion and create red tape.”
When contacted for clarification, representatives of the Chingeltei District Governor’s Office confirmed that existing regulations explicitly allow civil servants to visit the homes of permanently bedridden patients and elderly citizens to deliver public services. “We are unaware why this regulation was ignored in this particular case,” officials said. “However, the individual involved is registered in Selenge Province and appears to have been brought to the capital city urgently. Therefore, the matter does not fall under the jurisdiction of Chingeltei District authorities and should be addressed by the General Authority for State Registration.” Despite multiple attempts, no official comment was obtained from the General Authority for State Registration.
Following public backlash, the Prime Minister addressed the issue, instructing the relevant authorities to offer a formal apology to the affected citizen. He also emphasized the importance of making full use of available technological solutions and mobile services to ensure that government procedures are accessible, humane, and efficient. The premier stressed that public services must be provided with minimal inconvenience, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the sick, elderly, and those requiring constant care.
The event has reignited broader public debate about bureaucratic culture, accountability, and the gap between policy promises and real-world implementation of citizen-centered governance.
