Structure of the Healthcare

The Ministry of Health (MoH) formulates the health policy in the Kingdom of Bahrain to ensure its population has access to quality healthcare. The MoH runs a network of hospitals, clinics and specialized care centers which offer healthcare to Bahraini nationals.

The MoH works with the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) which works on developing the healthcare strategy. The MoH also partners with  the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) which acts as a private sector regulator.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has made Primary Healthcare services possible thanks to the network of health centers around the country, the application of family medical services, community health nurses, health promotion specialists, and social workers.

Secondary healthcare is provided by the Ministry of Health, made possible by several hospitals including Bahrain's main hospital, Salmaniya Medical Complex and Psychiatric, and Maternity and Geriatric Hospitals. Tertiary Healthcare is provided for advanced and complex cases, which require attention from specialists.

Financing Healthcare

Universal health care is being rolled out in the Kingdom of Bahrain in accordance with the National Health Insurance Law of 2018. The law has fostered the Social Health Insurance Program (SEHATI), under which members of the fund will pay insurance contributions in return for funding their health claims.

The model will offer healthcare coverage of treatments and services to nationals, domestic workers, and low-income foreign workers. Under this system, employers are liable to make payments for any foreign employees. The health insurance policy can be issued by licensed insurers, who are approved by the regulators.

For access to more health benefits, Bahraini nationals are allowed to take out voluntary health insurance packages with the fund. When one wishes to be treated at a private hospital, center, or clinic, the government will pay up to 60% of the treatment cost, and the patient will pay the remaining 40%.

Investment Opportunities

Lucrative opportunities to invest in the kingdom’s healthcare space include but not limited to:

• Specialized Medical Care

• Research and Development

• Medical Tourism

• Laboratory Equipment and Consumables

• Wellness and Prevention

Start Ups & Technology

National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA).

It is a self-titled mobile app that enables patients to remotely connect with a licensed healthcare provider of their choice via video. The Doctori app, which is now available for both iOS and Android devices, allows for online consultations, medical prescriptions, and consultation reports.

Challenges

The health sector in Bahrain faces challenges towards development. Such challenges include but are not limited to:

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity and diabetes

• The low number of qualified and experienced medical professionals

• Growing demand of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment

Solutions

• The Government coordinates public health awareness campaigns, which serve as a platform to emphasize the population to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent NCDs.

• In partnership with the private sector, training facilities will be built to facilitate centers from which more healthcare professionals can be prepared for the job.

• The push to facilitate a comfortable set up for licensed pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers to open shops in Bahrain will answer to the growing demand from the public.