Labour Ministry steps in as private hospital faces closure, unpaid staff

TDT | Manama

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The Ministry of Labour has intervened after reports that a private hospital is on the brink of closure, with its staff unpaid for two months. The hospital, which provides vital services across around 30 specialities, including general surgery, obstetrics, gynaecology, and paediatrics, halted most of its operations in late August, raising serious concerns about patient care.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Labour confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and reaffirmed its role in protecting workers’ rights under Bahraini law, specifically Law No. (36) of 2012, which regulates private sector employment. This follows complaints from employees who have not been paid since June, leading some to resign.

A ministry team has visited the hospital to investigate and press for immediate action.

Transparency

Despite assurances from hospital management that the salary delays will be sorted out “in the coming weeks,” the lack of transparency has increased anxiety among the staff.

The hospital has not given a clear reason for the sudden service reductions or salary delays, leaving employees and patients uncertain about what comes next. Sources within the hospital reveal that about 190 staff members are employed, including around 50 Bahraini nationals.

One doctor expressed deep concern about the hospital’s apparent move towards shutdown, saying, “There doesn’t seem to be any end in sight.”

Trouble

The situation is particularly troubling as medical staff continued to provide care and perform surgeries until late August when the hospital abruptly ceased all surgical procedures, now only offering outpatient services.

A nurse who recently resigned due to growing pressure disclosed, “In the last week of August, surgeries were suddenly cancelled without any explanation.”