Lawmakers Propose Full-Salary Leave for Sickle Cell Patients

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

A group of Bahraini lawmakers, including MP Basma Mubarak and four other MPs, have proposed a new law aimed at providing comprehensive care for sickle cell patients. The proposed legislation, which is being championed by MP Mubarak, seeks to establish a law dedicated to the well-being of sickle cell patients, ensuring their rights and protection against discrimination.

The proposed law stresses the need for integrated and continuous services for sickle cell patients across various sectors, including medical, social, educational, cultural, sports, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, and housing. The proposal also calls for the establishment of specialised centers and institutes for rehabilitation, as well as care facilities and workshops for sickle cell patients.

One of the key provisions of the proposed law is the granting of special leave with full salary to female sickle cell patients who are pregnant and require medical attention. This provision aims to ensure that these patients are not penalized financially for their health condition.

The proposed law also proposes that individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease by a medical committee be eligible for a monthly allowance of at least 100 Bahraini dinars. This allowance is intended to provide financial support to patients and is separate from any other benefits they may be entitled to under other laws.

Furthermore, the proposed law aims to exempt sickle cell patients from fees and taxes on necessary rehabilitation, medical, educational, technological, and compensatory equipment.

The proposed law also includes provisions for the rehabilitation of sickle cell patients. It mandates the establishment of rehabilitation centres and institutes, which will provide training and support to help patients develop skills and find employment.

The proposal also outlines the criteria for accepting sickle cell patients into rehabilitation centers and institutes, including the duration of rehabilitation and the circumstances under which exemptions from these criteria may be granted.

The proposed law also addresses employment opportunities for sickle cell patients. It requires employers with 50 or more employees to hire at least 2% of their workforce from among those who have been rehabilitated and registered with the Ministry of Labour. Employers can also choose to employ sickle cell patients outside of this quota, provided they meet the requirements outlined in the proposed law.

The proposed law exempts sickle cell patients who have been rehabilitated from certain health requirements, such as fitness tests, and from the requirement to pass exams for certain jobs. Employers are also required to notify the Ministry of Labour within 10 days of hiring a sickle cell patient.

In cases where a worker sustains an injury at work that results in a disability preventing them from performing their previous job, the employer is required to offer them a suitable alternative position with a salary equal to or greater than their previous salary. This provision ensures that workers with disabilities are not disadvantaged in the workplace.