Bahrain’s healthcare system is built around a data-driven, integrated planning model that prioritises efficiency, sustainability and quality of care over the physical expansion of facilities, Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed has said.
The kingdom’s health strategy focuses on maximising the use of existing hospitals and primary care centres while ensuring equitable access to specialised services across all governorates through co-ordinated national planning, she added.
Dr Al Sayyed made the remarks in response to a question from Strategic Thinking Bloc MP Dr Mariam Al Dhaen on the need for a fully-fledged general hospital in the Southern Governorate.
While confirming there is no immediate hospital project, she affirmed that Bahrain’s healthcare planning is not driven by geography alone.
“The development of healthcare services is carried out according to an integrated strategic approach based on technical and demographic studies, population growth, urban expansion, and the operational capacity of existing facilities,” Dr Al Sayyed said.
She explained that planning decisions are co-ordinated through the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) to ensure optimal use of resources and quality of care, rather than geographic duplication of facilities.
The minister said Bahrain’s primary healthcare model is structured to handle most cases at health centres, reducing pressure on major hospitals.
“Primary healthcare centres operate with high efficiency to handle urgent cases based on the primary care concept and are distributed across the kingdom according to well-defined criteria,” she said.
Cases requiring specialised care are referred to hospitals in line with medical protocols, ensuring patients receive the right care at the right level and at the right time.
The minister said residents of all governorates – including the Southern Governorate – already have access to advanced specialist services at existing government hospitals and healthcare institutions.
She also highlighted that future benefits will come through services to be provided by King Abdullah Medical City under the national health insurance framework.
The SCH, she added, is continuously studying all options to ensure services are delivered efficiently without unnecessary duplication of infrastructure.
On proposals to expand kidney dialysis centres, including in Isa Town where government land is available, the minister said existing capacity already meets demand through a mix of public services and round‑the‑clock private sector partnerships.
“Dialysis services are currently provided within an integrated and effective healthcare system that ensures broad coverage of existing needs and guarantees continuous service around the clock,” she stated.
She noted that the need for additional specialised centres is reviewed periodically based on actual health indicators, case numbers and resource balance.
Dr Al Sayyed confirmed that radiology services are available in all governorates during official hours and around the clock at Yusuf Abdulrahman Engineer Health Centre in the Southern Governorate.
Laboratory services, said Dr Al Sayyed, are extended beyond regular hours at one primary health centre in each governorate to ensure rapid response to urgent cases.
Dental clinics operate in two shifts during weekdays, while urgent cases on weekends and holidays are handled at three health centres operating 24/7.
Dr Al Sayyed emphasised that service standards, operating hours and capacity at primary centres are regularly reviewed to keep pace with demand, while maintaining quality and optimal use of resources.
“The relationship between primary and secondary healthcare is based on integration and co-ordination through a structured referral system based on approved clinical protocols,” she noted.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the continued development of healthcare infrastructure and services in the Southern Governorate through planned expansion and enhanced specialised services.
“The Southern Governorate benefits from comprehensive health coverage through a network of primary healthcare centres, hospitals and general medical centres providing integrated services across all specialties,” she said.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))