A PROPOSAL to add numbers to the nation’s pool of nurses has been presented by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, with legislators warning that urgent action is needed to ensure the country’s healthcare system is not left overstretched.
The Strategic Thinking Bloc’s proposal calls for a comprehensive national strategy to expand nursing education, attract Bahraini students to the field and provide incentives for long-term retention.
It also seeks to strengthen partnerships between the Education and Health Ministries, alongside the private sector, to ensure Bahrain develops a ‘self-sufficient’ healthcare workforce.
The proposal, spearheaded by Bloc president and Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom, comes amid concerns that Bahrain remains 90 per cent reliant on expatriate nurses to meet demand across government hospitals, health centres, medical facilities and the private sector.
“Bahrain, like many countries, is facing a global nursing shortage, but our situation is particularly acute because we rely so heavily on expatriates,” Mr Al Salloom said.
“At present, almost nine out of every 10 nurses in the kingdom are non-Bahraini. This creates long-term risks for sustainability, national security in healthcare and workforce stability. If we want to build a resilient healthcare system, we need to urgently invest in training and a retaining home-grown workforce.”
There are currently 10,299 licensed nurses in Bahrain, according to National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) website. Around 7,600 nurses, mostly expats, work in the government sector and approximately 2,700 are in the private sector.
The Education Ministry has already taken steps to increase opportunities in the field for Bahrainis. In July, Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma revealed that out of 4,000 scholarships and fellowships allocated this academic year, 300 were for nursing - the highest figure ever recorded.
While welcoming the move, Mr Al Salloom insisted it was ‘only the beginning’ because, he claims, the need runs into thousands rather than hundreds on figures received by MPs.
“We acknowledge the government’s decision to allocate 300 scholarships to nursing - this is a positive step, but it is simply not enough. The reality is that Bahrain needs around 3,000 nurses, both male and female, to fill the current staffing gap and to prepare for the future,” he explained.
“We are not talking about a luxury - this is an essential national requirement. Without adequate nursing staff, hospitals and clinics will be under strain, patient care will be compromised, and our healthcare professionals will face burnout. Nursing is the backbone of the health system, and our policies must reflect that.”
The MPs warned that the current reliance on expatriates also leaves Bahrain vulnerable to global labour market shifts, as many countries are facing similar shortages and competing for skilled nurses.
“Other countries are also struggling, and they are working hard to attract the same pool of foreign nurses we depend on,” Mr Al Salloom cautioned. “This is why we cannot afford to delay. Building a Bahraini nursing workforce is not just about jobs, it is about sovereignty, security, and the ability to safeguard our people’s health.”
Bloc spokesman and co-signee MP Khalid Bu Onk stressed that the issue is not just about filling vacancies, but about building a strong, sustainable workforce that citizens can rely on in the long-term.
“We cannot afford to treat this as a short-term fix,” Mr Bu Onk said. “Nursing is more than a profession; it is a vocation of service.
“Bahrainis need to feel encouraged, supported and valued when they enter this field. This means not only scholarships, but also clear career pathways, professional development opportunities, and competitive salaries that make nursing a respected and attractive career choice for our young people.”
Mr Bu Onk also emphasised the social and cultural importance of encouraging more Bahrainis to enter nursing.
“Our citizens feel most comfortable when receiving care from fellow Bahrainis who understand their culture, traditions and language,” he suggests.
“While expatriate nurses have played a vital role and continue to be indispensable, we must empower our own people to be at the heart of the healthcare system.
“Investing in nursing today is investing in Bahrain’s health tomorrow. This is not just a parliamentary proposal - more a national duty.”
The Bloc’s proposal will be reviewed by Parliament’s services committee following referral by Parliament’s Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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