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Special parking spaces at vital public facilities for patients with chronic or serious health conditions is being proposed by a member of Parliament.
Hanan Fardan said many people struggle daily to reach hospitals or government offices simply because suitable parking is unavailable.
The proposal, which will be debated in Parliament on Tuesday, seeks to reserve clearly marked parking spaces in key locations – such as hospitals, ministries and public service centres – for people suffering from conditions like sickle cell disease, multiple sclerosis, fractures, or temporary mobility issues.
Currently, only holders of official disability cards issued by the Social Development Ministry qualify for special parking permits.
The proposal aims to extend similar consideration to patients whose health challenges do not fall under permanent disability classifications but who nonetheless face significant physical strain.
Ms Fardan
Under the plan, the proposed parking spaces would display a distinctive logo or colour marking to prevent misuse.
The initiative would also include a public awareness campaign to inform motorists about the new system, eligibility criteria and penalties for violations. The services committee has recommended approval of the proposal.
“This proposal reinforces Bahrain’s values of empathy and respect for all,” said committee chairman Mamdooh Al Saleh.
The Interior Ministry noted that determining eligibility for chronic illness parking privileges would require a clear and medically defined framework, given the wide range of chronic conditions.
The Works Ministry confirmed that it already co-ordinates with the Traffic Directorate to reserve parking spaces for people with disabilities and could extend similar arrangements to chronic and eligible patients once a framework is established.
Meanwhile, a proposal urging the government to urgently study the possibility of selling a stake in Gulf Air to private investors that ended in deadlock in Parliament last week is set for a vote on Tuesday.
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