Bahrain is pushing to develop its pharmaceutical sector, keep medicine prices in check, and create more jobs for its citizens.
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain, in a written response to MPs, outlined a set of policies designed to drive economic growth while protecting consumers. Addressing a proposal to establish a specialised pharmaceutical industrial zone, Mr Al Buainain said the government supports expanding the sector but believes integrating pharmaceutical industries within existing industrial zones is currently the most practical approach.
He said the Economic Development Board (EDB) is conducting studies on investment opportunities in pharmaceutical manufacturing and incentives available to companies. The incentives include low-cost industrial land allocated by the Industry and Commerce Ministry, allowing investors flexibility in choosing suitable locations rather than being confined to a single specialised zone.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing has also been identified as a priority under the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026) launched as part of Bahrain’s economic recovery plan.
Responding to another proposal aimed at stabilising medicine prices, Mr Al Buainain said Bahrain already has a comprehensive regulatory framework governing drug pricing and pharmacy operations. He noted that the Supreme Council for Health is empowered under Decree-Law No 18 of 1997 to determine profit margins in pharmaceutical trade to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers.
Regulations issued in 2020 established detailed rules governing drug registration, pricing and advertising, including profit ceilings of 35 per cent for medicines priced below BD20 and 25pc for higher-priced drugs.
Pharmacies are required to clearly display official prices in Arabic and English, while authorities conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance and maintain proper storage conditions.
The government also said medicine pricing in Bahrain often follows unified price lists approved by the GCC Health Ministers’ Council, helping maintain consistency and transparency across the region.
Meanwhile, the government reiterated that expanding employment opportunities for Bahrainis remains a central policy priority.
Mr Al Buainain said programmes led by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and other authorities are helping strengthen Bahrainisation through training, wage support and partnerships with the private sector.
Bahrainisation quotas vary by sector, with some industries reaching up to 50pc, while companies failing to meet the quota must pay a BD500 fee for each new foreign work permit.
These policies have helped increase national employment rates, with some establishments recording Bahrainisation levels exceeding 90pc, he said.
Regarding another proposal to require home delivery companies contracted to deliver medicines to employ only Bahraini nationals, Mr Al Buainain said the government supports Bahrainisation but maintains a flexible approach based on labour market needs.
He explained that medication delivery services – introduced to assist elderly patients, people with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses – are provided through specialised companies contracted under government tender regulations.
“The government continues to review and develop programmes aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Bahraini workers and increasing their participation in the private sector,” he said.
Mr Al Buainain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to close co-operation with Parliament to support economic development, protect consumers and expand opportunities for citizens in the labour market.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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