“These continuing allegations, which appear to lack any firm evidence, seem to be part of an ongoing, orchestrated campaign by the protest movement.
“Prior to action taken by police to secure the hospital, Salmaniya Medical Complex was used as a coordination centre by protestors and had been overrun by political and sectarian activity, severely interrupting services and endangering lives. During this period, patients were refused treatment on the basis of their sect or ethnicity and emergency calls neglected.
“The hospital grounds were barricaded and Salmaniya was very clearly no longer a neutral, medical establishment with its politicisation led directly by certain senior medical staff.
“As a result, the action to secure the hospital was both unavoidable and necessary. Since this action took place no patient has been refused the treatment and admissions have continued. For example, almost 400 patients were admitted into Salmaniya in the week leading up to the visit of Medicines Sans Frontiers, with over 70 admitted on the 21 March, when MSF stated the hospital was virtually empty.
“It is an absolute principle that medical facilities in Bahrain are not misused for any end by anyone and this is why action was taken to secure the hospital in the first place.
“The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Interior both have established means and mechanisms to deal promptly with anyone in authority shown to be acting improperly. Specific allegations regarding actions taken by any individuals should be submitted, along with any evidence, for investigation.