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New clinics for labourers

“The Ministry of Health (MoH) is coordinating with the Ministry of Labour (MoL) to establish specialised clinics to cater for health requirements of workers,” said Dr Ali Shukur, Under-Secretary of the MoH.

Responding to a Khaleej Times query on the ministry’s role to ensure good health care services for labourers, the official replied: “Negotiations are under way with high ranking officials at the MoL to introduce ‘occupational medicine’ in the country as an independent speciality to better cater for health needs of labourers.”

Lack of medical attention, work-related accidents and occupational hazards of late have been one of the major problems suffered by a large segment of blue-collar labourers, he said.

The official said that the proposed medical facility would comply with certain criteria and standards and the two ministries are working together to ensure quality medical care to workers in various specialities.

“We will jointly devise certain benchmarks for the proposed clinics, in accordance with the international criteria to ensure quality services for labourers,” said Dr Shukur.

On whether these clinics will help prevent work-related accidents, the under-secretary said: “Workers will have access to preventive as well as educational courses on work-related hazards and occupational safety measures at the clinics.”

Regarding companies that might opt for their own clinics, Dr Shukur stressed: “Companies that like to have their own clinics have to abide by the rules that will be applicable to occupational health care facilities.”

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