Bahrain’s main hospital Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) could be expanded to cater to more patients.

A study on expanding services at the country's main public hospital was revealed yesterday (August 12), said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired a work meeting to discuss ways to optimise health services and housing projects.

The meeting also spotlighted labour issues and ways to render trade unionism a motivating factor to increase productivity, boost competitiveness and promote stability of the labour market.

The Premier directed for treatment protocols at hospitals to be developed to enable citizens to receive care as fast as possible, including sickle cell patients.

He also ordered a study on increasing the capacity of SMC's emergency department and supporting it with medical and nursing staff to provide top quality health services for as many patients as possible.

The Premier also directed the Health Ministry to co-operate with local and international civil society institutions to upgrade services and develop health strategy.

Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi briefed the meeting on the ministry's efforts and pre-emptive measures taken to prevent Ebola from reaching Bahrain.

The Premier also underlined the government's efforts to pursue its housing strategy and provide decent housing for citizens.

He listened to a briefing on the Housing Ministry's efforts to ensure a larger number of beneficiaries take advantage of housing services. - TradeArabia News Service