DOMESTIC workers will now be able to undergo medical tests at any private health facility within five days of arriving in the kingdom.
The Health Ministry’s medical commissions chief Dr Aysha Hussain yesterday said the move would help speed up medical tests for workers while ensuring faster results.
The decision also covers cleaners, nannies, cooks, butlers, drivers and gardeners.
Currently, domestic workers have to take appointments at government health centres and then wait for the results, which may take at least a week.
Dr Hussain said inclusion of private health facilities will enable expats to fast-track the clearance process.
“Expatriate workers will have to go to an authorised medical facility within five days of their arrival,” she said.
“It is possible to choose the health institution that is closest and most appropriate to the employer in terms of location and cost, and they can also modify appointments, print the results of the examination and fitness certificate through the national portal bahrain.bh”
The move follows the issuance of a ministerial edict amending an order in 2017 regarding the organisation of medical examination for expatriates in order to include domestic workers.
“Medical service for domestic workers and others who fall under this category has been privatised in order to expedite procedures and fast-track appointments,” said Dr Hussain.
“It will help create a comprehensive database for all expatriate workers in Bahrain. It will also improve and standardise examination procedures for them, as well as enhance the involvement of the private sector in providing health services.”
The Health Ministry, the Information and eGovernment Authority, Labour Market Regulatory Authority and the National Health Regulatory Authority had formed a working group to amend and update the procedures and work mechanisms.
The GDN earlier reported that MPs had approved a proposal making it mandatory for workers to undergo medical check-ups at Bahrain International Airport before entering the country.
The idea, spearheaded by five MPs led by Fatema Al Qatari, was aimed at protecting families from illnesses that housemaids, drivers, gardeners and private nurses may spread.
Regular procedures require these employees to have a smart card before they can go for check-ups and get a clearance certificate.
Under this system, the MPs explained in writing, these domestic workers live in the homes of their employers for days before getting a medical clearance without knowing whether they are sick or not.
Ms Al Qatari had said that the proposal – forwarded to the government – would help limit families contracting contagious diseases.
A total of 89,477 domestic workers, mainly housemaids, were officially registered in Bahrain until February this year. This includes workers from several countries including the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Eritrea, Ghana and the Seychelles.
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