A proposed law that would, for the first time, comprehensively regulate medical tourism in Bahrain is set to be debated by the Shura Council on Sunday.
Described as a ‘strategic legislative shift’, the draft aims to position Bahrain as a leading regional destination for health tourism, while ensuring transparency, patient safety, and regulatory oversight.
It has been proposed by five Shura Council members and led by services committee chairwoman Dr Jameela Al Salman.
“Health tourism is a strategic economic and healthcare necessity,” said Dr Al Salman. “This law provides the legal framework needed to protect patients, regulate providers, and open new investment opportunities in a highly competitive global market.”
The draft law lays out a detailed regulatory framework governing healthcare institutions that provide services to international patients. Under the proposal, all healthcare institutions offering health tourism services would be required to clearly disclose treatment details, associated costs, and potential risks before a patient enters the kingdom.
Healthcare providers would also be obligated to adhere strictly to quality and safety standards set by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), submit periodic reports, and issue detailed invoices outlining treatment costs – a move aimed at preventing disputes and enhancing accountability.
“Transparency is a cornerstone of this proposal,” Dr Al Salman said. “Patients must know exactly what they are coming for, how much it will cost, and what outcomes to expect. This builds trust and enhances Bahrain’s reputation internationally.”
One of the most significant features of the proposed legislation is the establishment of a Supreme Committee for Health Tourism, comprising representatives from key government bodies, including the Supreme Council of Health, the Ministries of Health, Interior, Foreign, and Tourism, as well as the NHRA, Royal Medical Services, public hospitals, and the private medical sector.
According to the draft, the committee would be responsible for developing a national health tourism strategy, promoting Bahrain internationally, facilitating health tourism visas, recommending international agreements, and launching multilingual digital platforms showcasing the kingdom’s medical services.
“There are multiple stakeholders involved in health tourism, and without a central co-ordinating body, efforts can become fragmented,” Dr Al Salman explained. “This committee ensures alignment, efficiency, and long-term strategic planning.”
The proposed law grants the NHRA broad inspection and oversight powers, allowing inspectors to access medical records, facilities, and staff as part of compliance checks. Administrative penalties – ranging from written warnings to restrictions on services – could be imposed on institutions found in violation, without prejudice to criminal or civil liability.
The legislation also calls for the establishment of service offices to receive and resolve complaints from health tourists swiftly.
In its explanatory memorandum, the draft law highlights health tourism as a fast-growing global market, estimated to reach more than $160 billion by 2032.
“This law supports economic diversification, strengthens public-private partnerships, and enhances the skills of Bahraini medical professionals,” Dr Al Salman said. “Most importantly, it ensures that growth happens in a safe, regulated, and sustainable manner.”
If approved on Sunday, the proposed law will be referred to the services committee for in-depth examination, after which it will return to the Shura Council for further debate before proceeding through the remaining legislative stages.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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