Austerity in sight

The Cabinet yesterday discussed two proposals submitted by the Council of Representatives, and approved the government’s replies to them. One of the proposals was the two-year suspension of the bonuses for Chairpersons and members of the boards of institutions and companies in which the government’s ownership exceeds 50 per cent. 

Meanwhile, Chairing the weekly Cabinet session at Gudaibiya Palace, Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa issued directives to the Health Minister to initiate measures to encourage specialty doctors to play an even larger role in the public health sector, particularly at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC). 

The Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa also attended
the session.

Considering the explosive spreading of the Zika virus across Latin America, the Cabinet also followed up the precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom in concert with the relevant international organisations to monitor the virus. 

It also reviewed a report presented by the Health Minister on preparations and precautionary measures in
this regard. 

Prince Khalifa also issued instructions to intensify inspections to prevent the sale of birds and animals in the Kingdom that are prohibited.

The Cabinet also approved a plan to reorganise the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) by cancelling the IT Directorate and renaming some directorates and posts.

It reviewed a memorandum presented by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments related to ratifying the treaty on the transfer of prisoners between Bahrain and Russia. 

It referred the memorandum to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs. 

The Cabinet also discussed measures to prevent the spread of tattooing in the Kingdom.