New clamp on Capital clinics

By TARIQ KHONJI
NEW applications to set up nurseries and clinics in the capital have been frozen by the Manama Municipal Council, pending new rules to regulate their activities.
The Capital Municipal Council says that it is co-ordinating with the Health Ministry, Education Ministry, Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry and Interior Ministry to come up with the new rules.
The aim is to reduce traffic congestions and further maintain safety in Manama.
About 15 new applications to set up nurseries and clinics have been frozen by the council until the regulations are agreed on, council chairman Murtaza Bader told the GDN.
He said some establishments might also be forced to move their premises following the introduction of the new regulations.
Mr Bader said various parties have been working on the new rules for over two months, but so far have not come to any conclusions.
"It may take a couple more months to complete, but we hope the regulations will help reduce traffic problems in some congested areas and ensure that patients have easy access to clinics," he said.
Mr Bader said traffic was particularly a problem for nurseries, which were located on narrow alleyways.
"These places are just not suitable for 50 cars to come by to pick up or drop their kids off because they cause traffic jams," he said.
"The new rules may also specify that nurseries must be of a certain size to allow the children enough room to play.
"There will also be a standard governing the toxicity of the materials used to paint or build the buildings."
Clinics, nurseries and shisa cafes will also be required to have fire safety measures in place according to the standards of the Civil Defence and Fire Service.
"For example, it is just not acceptable for a nursery full of kids not to have a fire extinguisher readily available on their premises," said Mr Bader