Bahrain is poised to take a major legislative step towards positioning itself as a regional hub for health tourism, with a proposed law regulating the sector set for debate during the Shura Council session on Sunday.
The 10-article draft law outlines definitions, obligations for healthcare providers offering services to international patients, the establishment of a National Health Tourism Committee as well as oversight mechanisms.
It would require healthcare institutions to clearly disclose treatment details, costs and potential risks in advance, issue itemised invoices and adhere to declared pricing, with administrative penalties for violations.
The proposal, submitted by five members, led by Dr Jameela Al Salman and Dr Jihad Al Fadhel, has been endorsed for consideration by the council’s services committee after extensive review. The committee held four meetings this month and consulted a wide range of stakeholders, including the Health Ministry, the Supreme Council of Health, the National Health Regulatory Authority, the Tourism Ministry and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
Dr Al Salman said the draft law reflects Bahrain’s broader national development goals.
“Health tourism, by its very nature, combines two vital tracks – advancing healthcare services and strengthening economic growth,” she said.
“This proposal is fully aligned with the government’s programme and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. It supports diversification, stimulates investment in high-value sectors and enhances the kingdom’s regional standing in specialised medical services.”
Dr Al Salman stressed that the sector is already a growing reality in Bahrain.
“Medical tourism is no longer a theoretical concept. It is an expanding activity supported by our advanced healthcare infrastructure, qualified professionals and ongoing initiatives by the relevant authorities,” she said.
“Given the overlap between health, tourism, visas, investment and regulatory oversight, a dedicated legislative framework is both timely and necessary.”
Dr Al Salman explained that the proposed law would enhance transparency, ‘which will strengthen trust with patients travelling from abroad’.
“It also enhances Bahrain’s international reputation as a well-regulated and reliable destination for quality healthcare,” she added.
Co-sponsor Shura Council second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel highlighted the importance of institutional co-ordination.
“Health tourism intersects with multiple authorities. Establishing a National Health Tourism Committee will create a structured platform for planning, co-ordination and follow-up among all relevant bodies,” she said. “This approach reflects Bahrain’s established legislative practice in managing cross-sectoral issues through national committees, ensuring clarity of roles and unified vision.”
Dr Al Fadhel noted that the draft law leaves technical and procedural details to be set through executive decisions by the Supreme Council of Health, ensuring flexibility.
“The legislators’ role is to define the general framework and guiding principles, while allowing specialised authorities to regulate implementation in line with evolving realities,” she said.
The Tourism Ministry and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority welcomed the concept, while calling for clear definitions, clarity on short-term accommodation arrangements for patients, and co-ordination with the Interior Ministry regarding the possible introduction of a dedicated health tourism visa.
The legislative and legal affairs committee confirmed the proposal’s constitutional and legal soundness.
In its report, the services committee concluded that regulating health tourism would enhance Bahrain’s competitiveness regionally, direct investment towards specialised medical fields and reinforce the kingdom’s readiness to attract international patients under clear and transparent standards.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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