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Temporary health papers for workers [Peninsula, The (Qatar)](Peninsula, The (Qatar) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) DOHA: Foreign workers arriving here afresh to work in food industry, beauty parlours and barber shops, among other places, who need health certificate to begin their work, will be given temporary health clearance from next week. The idea is to make sure that these workers don't have to wait for weeks on end for a health certificate issued by the Medical Commission to begin their work. There are complaints from the owners of businesses like the eateries, hairdressing and beauty salons that their newly-arriving workers have to sit idle for weeks on end, sometimes for three months or so, until they are issued residency permit and health certification to begin working. The Medical Commission takes time to issue health certificates to these newly-arriving workers due to procedural reasons. The certificate is issued only after the worker is given residency permit (RP). The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) said yesterday it is all set to start from next week issuing temporary health licenses for the newcomers working in food sector, after being found medically fit. The SCH said that the validity of the temporary health licenses shall not exceed three months from the date of entry of the worker in the country. The Council said that the validity of the residence permit is a key requirement for obtaining a permanent health certificate and its renewal in compliance with applicable laws in the country. The Medical Commission, in collaboration with E-Health Department and Information Technology Department at SCH, had conducted the necessary tests for the new system. The new project comes in coordination with other competent authorities to facilitate services for the owners of the food companies, QNA reports. Efforts are under way to set up a separate unit at the Medical Commission for those working in food sector and the unit is expected to start operations by the end of this year. The unit will have a 500 visitor capacity per day. A separate building is being constructed to house the said unit. Food handlers, hairdressers and beauty salon workers, among others, need to be issued health certificate by the Medical Commission every year. The Peninsula (c) 2014 Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing & Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |