The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has been granted a Silver Level Certificate from the Ministry of Health (MoH) for its buildings in Isa Town, Juffair, and Muharraq, acknowledging them as health-enhancing work environments. This recognition comes after the iGA successfully met all the criteria outlined by the Ministry in its ‘Health-Promoting Workplace’ program, which aims to establish conducive settings for healthy lifestyles and to foster the concept of “health-promoting workplaces” across diverse work sites, facilities, institutions, government entities, and private organizations.
iGA Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed received the certificate at a ceremony that was attended by the Ministry of Health’s Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health, Dr. Ejlal Alalawi and Director of Health Promotion, Dr. Wafa Alsharbati; iGA Director of Government Systems Support and Maintenance and Head of the Health and Occupational Safety Committee, Hesham AlHashemi; and several other representatives of both parties.
Al Qaed said that the iGA’s adoption of a health-promoting work environment for its employees across all its branches highlights the importance of offering employees the support they need to fulfill their tasks in an environment that safeguards their physical and mental well-being. This, in turn, will have a positive influence on their performance and productivity. He praised the dedicated efforts of the Ministry’s team in enhancing the health and work environments at government and private entities.
Al Qaed added that the Health and Occupational Safety Committee has raised health awareness levels among iGA employees through educational lectures, activities, and sports events, and provided continual encouragement for good nutrition and physical activity. The iGA has also ensured the availability of safety requirements and occupational safety standards in its buildings. He commended the committee’s persistent efforts in meeting the precise and comprehensive evaluation criteria set by the Ministry of Health, which led to the successful attainment of the Silver Level Certificate.
Dr. Alalawi said the iGA’s efforts to meet Silver Level Certificate standards reflect the senior management’s commitment to the health and safety of its employees, and that the iGA’s Health and Occupational Safety Committee, chaired by Hisham Al-Hashimi, had a significant impact on meeting the evaluation criteria. The committee coordinated with the ministry’s Health Promotion Directorate to fulfill the criteria through organizing health lectures, workshops, and medical examinations at iGA premises. Additionally, they partnered with the Ministry of Interior to inspect the buildings and ensure their health suitability for employees. Periodic evacuation exercises and first aid courses are also conducted.
The ’Health-Promoting Workplace’ program, launched by the Ministry of Health, is aimed at raising health awareness and enhancing health and occupational safety in partnership with government and private institutions. The aim is to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Accreditation is granted to entities that meet no less than 80% of the criteria of the Silver, Gold, and Diamond programs.