Legislators have proposed establishing a new health centre in Busaiteen (Al Sayah) to ease ‘mounting pressure on existing centres’ in Muharraq Governorate.
The proposal has been submitted by five MPs, led by services committee vice-chairman MP Abdulwahid Qarata.
The committee believes a new facility would improve access to primary healthcare, vaccination services and routine medical examinations, as well as reduce congestion at nearby centres.
“Busaiteen (Al Sayah) has witnessed notable residential expansion in recent years, which has naturally increased demand for healthcare,” Mr Qarata said. “Our objective is to ensure that citizens and residents can obtain services efficiently without long waiting times or the need to travel outside their communities.”
Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed pointed out that Muharraq Governorate has six health centres distributed across various areas, two of which operate 24 hours a day.
In the ministry’s written response to Parliament, she noted that Halat Bu Maher Health Centre and Muharraq Health Centre are located close to Busaiteen, providing comprehensive primary healthcare services to residents of the surrounding areas.
“The ministry gives utmost attention to facilitating access to primary healthcare services for all citizens and residents,” Dr Al Sayyed said.
Dr Al Sayyed added that the current geographical distribution of centres in Muharraq was designed to ensure ease of access and efficient service delivery.
“The existing network of health centres in the governorate is structured to meet demand and ensure that services are accessible without the need to establish additional facilities in close proximity,” she explained.
Despite the ministry’s position, the services committee concluded that demographic growth and rising service demand justified moving forward with the proposal. It will now be debated and voted on during parliamentary session on Tuesday.
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