THE first phase of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Sehati, is set to commence in the second quarter of this year, with multiple bundles available for both citizens and residents.
Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh said the project will be implemented in phases, starting with expatriates, while citizens will be enrolled by the beginning of next year.
“Sehati will be launched in phases following a Cabinet decision, based on recommendations from the Supreme Council for Health (SCH),” Ms Al Saleh said, in a written response to a question by MP Hamad Al Kooheji.
“Each phase takes into account technical arrangements and preparations as well as the completion of necessary procedures to ensure easy and speedy access to health services.
“The first trial phase was launched last year through the self-management of hospital and primary healthcare centres, and plans are underway to roll out the project by enrolling expatriates in the second quarter of this year.”
Ms Al Saleh added that Bahrainis married to expatriates, Bahraini children from expatriate fathers, and other residents identified through a decision from Cabinet following recommendations from the SCH, will be treated like citizens under the mandatory coverage of the scheme. Domestic workers and other employees sponsored by Bahrainis will also be included under specific conditions and regulations.
“Services under the mandatory coverage for citizens include, but not limited to, primary healthcare, laboratory and radiology, operations, maternity, dental, mental health, physiotherapy, nursing, medication in addition to long-term stay and rehabilitation,” said Ms Al Saleh.
“Medical plastic surgery, IVF and obesity treatments according to specified requirements as well as ambulance services will be included. However, non-medical surgeries and dental care, private nursing and alternative medicine have been excluded.”
Mandatory coverage for expatriates includes primary and secondary healthcare services as well as treatments in case of emergencies or accidents.
“Meanwhile, optional health coverage for citizens allows them to opt for private insurance or any optional services subsidised by the government, with no less than 60 per cent of the cost covered.”
Ms Al Saleh added that optional health insurance can also be considered for expatriates through contracts with private insurance providers, under specific conditions by the Health Ministry.
The minister asserted that the insurance scheme will ensure a comprehensive and flexible health system that provides high quality services while making improvements based on the needs of beneficiaries.
It provides an ideal platform for investment in the health sector, she added.
Meanwhile, Ms Al Saleh revealed that a total of 566 Bahrainis (nine on temporary contracts) were hired by the Health Ministry in 2020 and 330 (10 on temporary contracts) in 2021 as doctors, nurses and administrative staff.
Four expatriates were hired from 2020 to 2021 in the Health Ministry under an yearly-contract, which will be renewed if no qualified Bahrainis are available for their role. Temporary medical and nursing staff were also recruited during the Covid-19 pandemic with specific budget allocated for the purpose.
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