A proposal has been submitted to Parliament calling for the urgent establishment of a government health centre in the rapidly expanding residential community of Diyar Al Muharraq.
The proposal was tabled by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman and area MP Khalid Bu Onk alongside bloc ally MP Hisham Abdulaziz Al Awadhi, who stressed that the move was essential to ensure equitable access to healthcare for the more than 20,000 residents now living in the area.
The MPs cited Article 68 of the Constitution, which allows parliamentarians to submit written wishes to the government, and Article 128 of Parliament’s internal regulations, which empowers members to propose matters of public interest.
Diyar Al Muharraq is one of Bahrain’s largest and most ambitious urban development projects.
It is a 12-square-kilometre mixed-use city built partly on reclaimed land, designed to combine residential, commercial, recreational, educational and public service amenities into an integrated urban environment.
Diyar Al Muharraq is projected to eventually accommodate more than 100,000 residents, with around 30,000 homes/dwellings when the full development is complete.
“This is not just a routine request; it is a pressing need,” said Mr Bu Onk.
“Diyar Al Muharraq has witnessed rapid growth over the past years. It is home to thousands of families who currently have no access to a dedicated health centre in their community. Elderly citizens, pregnant women and patients with chronic illnesses are all being forced to travel long distances for treatment, which is unacceptable.
“Our bloc believes in strategic thinking that responds to the needs of people on the ground,” added Mr Bu Onk.
“This is not about luxury; it is about justice and accessibility. A health centre in Diyar Al Muharraq will relieve pressure on Halat Bu Maher and Hidd centres, and give residents the dignity of receiving care in their own neighbourhood.”
The proposal, which was formally logged yesterday, sets out the objectives of providing direct primary healthcare services within Diyar Al Muharraq, reducing pressure on already overstretched health centres and hospitals in neighbouring areas, and ensuring fair distribution of services in line with population growth.
“Healthcare must grow alongside urban expansion,” said Mr Al Awadhi.
“We are not asking for anything extraordinary, simply that a modern community like Diyar Al Muharraq, which was designed with advanced planning and urban integration, receives the same basic services that other residential areas enjoy. A health centre will not only provide vaccinations, chronic disease follow-up, maternity care and general clinics, but will also serve as a hub for preventive health awareness and community well-being.”
The explanatory memorandum to the proposal highlighted that while Diyar Al Muharraq boasts modern infrastructure and has attracted thousands of new residents, the absence of a health centre has created a service gap. The lack of facilities is said to be particularly challenging during emergencies or peak times, when nearby centres face long queues and extended waiting times.
The MPs highlighted that the proposal aligns with the government’s declared strategy of developing healthcare services nationwide and enhancing public health coverage.
Mr Al Awadhi stressed healthcare development is a cornerstone of sustainable urban growth.
“The government has made major strides in developing medical facilities, and we are confident that this proposal will be received positively as it is fully in line with Bahrain’s health vision,” he said.
The matter has been referred to the services committee for review.
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