MPs are set to debate a proposal to stabilise medicine prices in the kingdom, during their weekly session on Tuesday.
The motion is aimed at imposing tighter controls on the pricing and align local drug costs with the Gulf countries, while ensuring affordability and transparency in the pharmaceutical sector.
The move also seeks to ease the financial burden on patients, especially those with limited income.
“The goal is simple: To make essential medicines accessible to every Bahraini at fair prices,” said Bader Al Tamimi, who is leading the proposal.
“No one should be forced to choose between their health and their household expenses.”
The services committee said the motion would strengthen control over drug pricing mechanisms, enhance the quality of pharmaceutical services, ensure equitable access to medicines, particularly for low-income individuals, and reduce the confusion and difficulty faced by patients comparing prices across pharmacies.
However, the National Health and Regulatory Authority (NHRA) pointed out that drug prices are already being governed under Article 86 of Decree-Law No. 18 of 1997, and Resolution No. 32 of 2020.
This includes capping profit margins, tying pricing to import costs, and using Gulf-wide pricing guides and official invoices.
Meanwhile, the Society of Pharmacy Owners and Medicine Importers warned that drug prices have already seen reductions of up to 70 per cent since 2014, and many pharmacies are now facing severe financial difficulties.
It added that a regular review of prices would be a more flexible and sustainable approach.
But the services committee recommended the proposal’s approval, saying it aligned with the broader public interest.
Separately, MPs will also review another proposal to create more jobs for Bahrainis in the pharmaceutical sector.
The Health Ministry said that there are 273 Bahraini pharmacists working in Government Hospitals and at Primary Health Care Centres, while the Labour Ministry pointed out that 42 Bahraini pharmacists featured on the jobseekers’ list.
Another proposal set for debate on Tuesday concerns the establishment of a drugs and alcohol rehab, care and treatment centre in the Capital Governorate.
The Taafi Drug Recovery Association backed the proposal but Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed said the Almoayyed Unit at the Psychiatric Hospital in Salmaniya already provided all of the required services, besides mobile units providing services at people’s convenience.
MPs will also debate a proposal to provide social insurance to medics in training.
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