Bahraini legislators are calling for more nursing scholarships to strengthen the healthcare sector.
The proposal has been put forward by five MPs, led by Mamdooh Al Saleh, who believes that an increase in scholarships at the College of Health Sciences would help cater to the growing demand for qualified nursing professionals in Bahrain.
The MPs said the proposal aims to encourage the employment of citizens in nursing and reduce reliance on expatriate workers.
Mr Al Saleh
“Increasing the number of trained nurses will enhance patient care, reduce wait times, and contribute to long-term healthcare sustainability,” Mr Al Saleh said.
Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed acknowledged the importance of increasing the number of Bahraini nurses, stating that the Supreme Council for Health is actively co-ordinating with the College of Health Sciences and labour market stakeholders to assess workforce requirements.
“The demand for nursing professionals continues to grow, and we are committed to ensuring that the necessary training and resources are available,” she said.
“We are exploring the expansion of specialised nursing programmes, particularly in areas where there is a shortage of national expertise.”
Dr Al Sayyed
Resources
She also confirmed that the College of Health Sciences is working to increase student intake in its Bachelor of Nursing programme by improving academic resources and logistical capabilities, in collaboration with relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma affirmed the ministry’s role in setting scholarship policies that align with national development goals.
He revealed that for the 2024/2025 academic year, the ministry has already allocated 300 scholarships for nursing at The Colleges of Health and Sport Sciences at the University of Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf University.
“We recognise the critical role of nursing in the healthcare system and have ensured that a significant number of scholarships are directed towards this field,” he said.
Dr Juma
“Our annual scholarship allocations are based on labour market demands, and we are continuously reviewing data from various institutions to refine our approach.”
He stressed that while the ministry strives to cover all key disciplines through its annual scholarship plan, the number of grants may vary each year depending on budget constraints and labour market needs.
Mr Al Saleh highlighted the urgency of increasing the number of Bahraini nurses to ensure a sustainable healthcare system.
“The Covid-19 pandemic showed us the critical role of a strong nursing workforce and we must act now to ensure that Bahrain is prepared for future challenges,” he said.
“This proposal is an essential step towards securing Bahrain’s healthcare future,” said MP Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh, a co-signer.
“We trust that the government will recognise the importance of increasing nursing scholarships and take swift action to support our national workforce,” he added.
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