Ministry of Social Development Opposes Proposed Autism Care Centre

TDT | Manama

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The Ministry of Social Development has expressed its opposition to a proposal submitted by members of the House of Representatives for the establishment of an autism treatment and care center in the Zallaq area. The ministry highlighted that the objectives of the proposal are already being met through existing facilities.

The proposal was put forward by MPs Ali Al Dosari, Muneer Seroor, Hesham Al Awadhi, Ahmed Qarata, and Mohammed Janahi. In its response to the proposal, the ministry noted that there are numerous specialised rehabilitation centres across the Kingdom of Bahrain, totaling 53. This includes 17 community centres, 30 private centres, and six government-operated facilities.

The ministry further stressed that the government allocates an annual budget of 1.2 million Bahraini dinars to support most rehabilitation centres for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it mentioned ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Works to complete maintenance at the Comprehensive Disability Complex, which aims to provide care and rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities from all governorates of Bahrain, catering to all ages and genders.

It's worth citing that the explanatory memorandum accompanying the proposal indicated a rising incidence of autism in all its forms within Bahrain. It pointed out that the Zallaq area, located in the ninth district of the Southern Governorate, is far from the nearest center that treats and handles special cases, including autism. This distance has become a burden for parents who struggle to transport their children to facilities located far from their homes.

The proposal was reviewed by the Services Committee of the House of Representatives, which recommended its approval, citing several public interest considerations. These include the lack of treatment and care centers for autism in the area, the increasing number of autism cases in Bahrain, and the distance of existing centers from Zallaq.

The proposal is set to be presented to the House of Representatives for a vote next Tuesday, where it will be discussed further.