‘Humane reasons’

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Patients with sickle cell, MS, or broken bones who don’t qualify for disability cards could get temporary parking permits under a non-binding proposal passed by Parliament yesterday, which now goes to the government.

If adopted by the government, the scheme would let eligible patients park nearer to hospitals, shopping centres, stadiums, clinics and places of worship.

Temporary permits would be issued on approved medical reports through the Ministry of Social Development or the General Directorate of Traffic.

Logo

The bays would carry a distinctive logo and be supported by a public awareness campaign explaining their location and use.

“I brought this proposal for humane reasons before anything else,” said MP Hanan Fardan during the debate. “We already have bays for people with disabilities and that right is respected. But there are other groups who need short-term help, people with sickle cell disease, multiple sclerosis, or those coming out of surgery or with fractures, who need spaces close to where they are going.”

Schemes

She added: “Countries such as the UAE, Australia and Canada already run similar schemes that can be adapted to Bahrain. Bahrain is a “Kingdom of Humanity”, and we hope this measure is taken up.”

The plan would sit outside the permanent disability card system so that people with short-term or fluctuating mobility problems can access essential services.

The logo would appear on roadside signs with wording such as “Parking reserved for patients with temporary health conditions”.