Bahrain’s largest public hospital is heading for a comprehensive four-year overhaul, with ageing infrastructure, medical wards and outpatient clinics all lined up for refurbishment as authorities prepare to add 48 critical care beds.
The ambitious programme at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) is expected to begin in phases in 2027, covering everything from air-conditioning, electricity and water systems to patient facilities and essential operational equipment.
The plans were outlined by Government Hospitals operations director Dr Noor Dhaif during a presentation to the Capital Trustees Board on strategic healthcare projects, drawing praise from chairman Saleh Tarradah.
Dr Dhaif said preparations for the overhaul began in 2021, when engineers assessed the complex’s infrastructure and identified facilities requiring maintenance and development.
The Government Hospitals subsequently co-ordinated with the Ministries of Finance and National Economy and Works, which appointed a dedicated team and consultant to examine the site, establish priorities and prepare the necessary designs.
The first phase, expected to take around 24 months, will focus on infrastructure and essential systems, while the second will cover medical wards and other healthcare facilities.
The final budget remains under consideration, with the necessary financial approvals and tender procedures still to be completed.
Dr Dhaif confirmed that special care would be taken to preserve buildings of historical significance, particularly the old maternity building known as the Northern Hall, which dates back to 1959.
“Work is being co-ordinated with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) to retain its architectural character and original features, including stonework and windows,” she said.
“A medical museum is also being developed to house old medical equipment, photographs and other material documenting the evolution of healthcare in Bahrain.
“The initiative would preserve the institutional memory of the country’s medical services while giving future generations a glimpse into the conditions and equipment that shaped earlier decades of patient care.”
Dr Dhaif said that alongside the long-term refurbishment, the Government Hospitals is planning to increase Salmaniya’s critical care capacity by 48 beds.
“The project involves converting around four existing wings and areas currently used for administrative purposes into dedicated intensive care facilities.”
She added that the initiative reflected lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of having sufficient critical care capacity to deal with emergencies and seriously ill patients.
“Planning and tender preparations have been completed, with financial approval awaited. The tender is expected to be issued and work to begin in the second quarter of 2027, with the new facilities anticipated to be handed over in 2028,” said Dr Dhaif.
“Rather than waiting for all four areas to be completed, the hospital intends to open each wing as soon as it is ready, allowing patients to benefit progressively from the additional beds and helping ease pressure caused by limited critical care capacity.”
The overhaul comes as Bahrain prepares to implement its health insurance system and redistribute patients between public and private providers from the tentative date of November 1.
Dr Dhaif said mandatory packages for covered expatriates were expected to direct eligible patients towards private healthcare providers, easing pressure on government hospitals and allowing Salmaniya to focus more closely on citizens’ needs.
“Government Hospitals estimates that maternity cases at Salmaniya could fall by between 30 and 40 per cent, based on the anticipated proportion of cases involving expatriates and visitors,” she said.
“Future decisions on building new hospitals and health centres will depend on patient demand and utilisation patterns after the new system takes effect.”
Dr Dhaif said there were currently no plans by Government Hospitals to construct a new hospital.
“Authorities have already been redistributing services, including directing patients from Muharraq to primary healthcare centres and King Hamad University Hospital according to their medical needs.
“Co-operation with private hospitals has also included selected operations and dialysis services, while some Muharraq residents receiving dialysis have been directed to the Abdulrahman Kanoo Dialysis Centre.”
Dr Dhaif also highlighted efforts to improve specialised treatment, including a dedicated unit for sickle cell patients opened last year.
“The unit provides a separate entrance, waiting area and treatment pathway, reducing the need for patients to navigate the usual emergency department procedures,” she said.
“It was temporarily closed for two months for maintenance, with reopening expected in the month following her remarks.
“The unit’s building is also included in the comprehensive maintenance programme, despite being relatively newer than many other facilities at Salmaniya.”
Dr Dhaif said Government Hospitals continued to co-ordinate with primary healthcare centres and the relevant sickle cell association to determine which patients required hospital treatment and which could be managed closer to home.
“With infrastructure renewal, additional critical care capacity and a planned medical museum, the programme aims to prepare Salmaniya for future healthcare demands while preserving the history of a hospital that has served generations of Bahrainis.”
Mr Tarradah welcomed the comprehensive approach, stressing the importance of maintaining and upgrading vital healthcare facilities to ensure patients receive quality services in a safe, modern environment.
He also praised efforts to preserve Bahrain’s medical heritage alongside the hospital’s modernisation, describing the protection of historic buildings and the proposed medical museum as valuable steps in safeguarding the kingdom’s healthcare legacy.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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