Bahrain privatizes pre-employment check-up for domestic workers

Pre-employment check-ups for domestic workers have been fully privatized, announced Health Ministry's Medical Commissions Chief Dr Aisha Ahmed Hussein. This is in the implementation of Decision (21) of 2022, amending certain provisions of Decision (30) of 2017, regarding the regulation of medical examinations for expatriates. 

Dr Hussein affirmed that the decision aims to expedite health appointments and examinations to preserve overall safety and health security. 

She explained that updating the medical examination procedures for domestic workers also aims to strengthen a comprehensive database for all expatriate workers in the Kingdom, improve and standardize medical examination procedures, as well as further strengthen the role of the private sector in conducting these examinations. 

The Chief of Medical Commissions stated that a working group has been formed, comprising the relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the Information and e-Government Authority, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, and the National Health Regulatory Authority, to update procedures in the implementation of the decision. 

Dr Hussein stated that domestic workers must conduct these examinations within five days from the date of entry to Bahrain. They have the freedom to choose the health institution closest and most convenient to them and their employers in terms of location and cost. 

She added that they can also book and change appointment dates, as well as print results and fitness certificates through national portal Bahrain.bh.