Interview: Dr. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa
Which developments will help boost investment levels in Bahrain’s health care industry and increase its contribution to the local economy?
DR. SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ABDULLAH AL KHALIFA: The health care industry in Bahrain is expanding, with various development projects under way. This growth represents an opportunity for investors who are interested in the sector. The government is positioning the country as a desirable destination for health care provision, and has mandated that all hospitals in Bahrain facilitate private investment, regardless of whether the investor is local or foreign.
The initial phase of the compulsory health insurance package for foreign residents is now in effect, and the SCH, along with other key stakeholders in the sector, is collaborating with Bahraini insurance companies to accelerate its implementation. As a result, hospitals will be accessible to both local and foreign patients, expanding the range of available treatment options. This initiative will drive healthy competition among providers, resulting in an overall improvement in the quality of services and making the health care system more attractive to both patients and investors.
How do you assess the digital transformation of the health care sector and its impact on growth?
AL KHALIFA: We encourage and promote the use of advanced IT systems in the local health care industry to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. At the national level, an electronic medical record system is being implemented, which will enable hospitals to transmit patient information via a single integrated platform. This technology will provide a comprehensive overview of the patient’s health. All medical information will be available through this system, making it easier and faster to analyse an individual’s medical history and improve diagnoses and treatment plans. Additionally, information from a hospital’s health information system will be sent to this repository, providing a comprehensive source of data for clinical reporting and analysis.
In what ways can the local health care infrastructure be further enhanced to support the sector?
AL KHALIFA: An investment of BD2.8m ($7.4m) was made to upgrade the electricity infrastructure of Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) under the supervision of the Electricity and Water Authority. There are also plans to add four new operating rooms to SMC, bringing the total number from 16 to 20. This addition will increase the ability to perform 80 surgeries daily. It is important to emphasise the need to utilise all available resources and efforts to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care service. This outcome can be achieved by improving health care standards, ensuring sustainability, and attaining high levels of competitiveness, transparency, and fairness, contributing to realising Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
By what means can the government further support the development of a highly skilled team of professionals across the sector?
AL KHALIFA: One recent initiative involved training family physicians to provide primary care. These practitioners have an essential role in delivering preventative care and are the backbone of medical services. Their key responsibilities include identifying and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer, thus promoting optimal patient health outcomes. A key component of the doctors’ work is proactive outreach to patients who have not had routine check-ups. If a problem is identified, the patient is referred to a specialist at the hospital.
These professionals improve the efficacy of medical services, and we are increasing investment in training to improve overall health outcomes. Going forwards, the establishment of a new council for training and specialisation will enhance the skills and knowledge of medical practitioners. The council will oversee initiatives such as recruitment and training plans, as well as provide vital resources to hospitals and physicians.
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