A proposal to operate the North Muharraq Health Centre round the clock is set for debate during Parliament’s session on Tuesday.
The initiative, submitted by five MPs led by Hamad Al Doy, has received unanimous backing from Parliament’s services committee, which cited compelling public interest and rising demand for continuous healthcare services in the area.
Currently, the centre operates from 7am to 7pm, with patients directed to other 24-hour facilities overnight.
MPs argue this arrangement is no longer sufficient given population growth and increasing reliance on primary healthcare.
“North Muharraq is densely populated and the health centre serves a large number of residents who require regular treatment and medication,” Mr Al Doy said.
“Keeping the centre open 24 hours would ease pressure on King Hamad University Hospital and Halat Bu Maher Health Centre, and ensure faster access to care for local families.”
He said many patients, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions, face difficulties travelling late at night to alternative facilities outside their immediate neighbourhood.
Co-signatory Dr Hisham Ahmed Al Asheeri said the proposal reflects the importance of strengthening primary healthcare.
“Primary health centres are the first line of defence in the healthcare system,” Dr Al Asheeri said.
“When they are not available at critical times, patients are pushed towards emergency departments, which leads to overcrowding and delays.”
He stressed that expanding operating hours would improve service efficiency and patient outcomes, while reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.
The Health Ministry, in its response to the proposal, noted that Muharraq Governorate already includes two 24-hour health centres – Halat Bu Maher and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Health Centre in Hidd – and that after-hours services are accessible through nine round-the-clock centres nationwide.
However, the services committee has backed the proposal, asserting that local demand and population density justify extending services at North Muharraq.
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