‘Govt, pvt sector tie-up needed for healthcare services in Sitra’

Manama : Calling for more healthcare facilities in Sitra, the parliamentary representative of the area, MP Majeed Al Asfoor urged the Health Ministry to join hands with the private sector establishments. 

He was speaking in a discussion on the healthcare situations in Sitra and nearby areas with Health Minister Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh during the weekly session of the Council of Representatives yesterday.

The MP stressed that Sitra embraces many projects that contribute to the economic development of the country.  “Housing Ministry stated earlier that lands were allocated to accommodate hospitals in Sitra. But we haven’t seen anything yet. Health Ministry should invite private sector establishments to take part in this process,” Al Asfoor pointed out.

Despite the Minister’s promise to develop the existing health centre in Sitra, the MP demanded the establishment of more facilities in the area. “The population of Sitra and the surrounding villages is rapidly growing.”

Al Asfoor said, “The under-construction East Sitra housing project includes 5,000 new housing units, with around 40, 000 individuals expected to live in it. What healthcare services have we prepared for them?”

 “There are also many major commercial and industrial projects being established in Sitra. These projects require additional healthcare services as the capacity of the existing centre, even if expanded, won’t accommodate those additional numbers,” he commented.

In her reply, Minister Al Saleh said, “The Ministry is looking forward to develop and rehabilitate the existing centre and maternity hospital, as per the Government Action Plan (GAP).”

“Due to the growing population of the area, we are very concerned about developing these facilities,” she added.