Education & Health
From The Report: Bahrain 2024
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Bahrain has made significant progress in its healthcare and education systems over the past six decades. The introduction of compulsory schooling in 1919 and a health-for-all policy in 1959 led to substantial sector growth. The government is set to launch a universal health insurance scheme in early 2025, which is expected to expand coverage and improve services. Increased funding should enhance coordination between the public and private sectors and support the digitalisation of services and medical records. Innovative policies in education are improving learning outcomes, with technological advances playing a key role. Additionally, efforts to close the skills gap between education and the labour market are further strengthening Bahrain’s education system. These initiatives reflect the kingdom’s commitment to enhancing both sectors for the benefit of its citizens and future workforce.

This chapter includes interviews with Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education; Maryam Hasan Mustafa, CEO, Bahrain Education & Training Quality Authority; Dr Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health; and Dr George Cheriyan, CEO and Chief Medical Officer, American Mission Hospital.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Smart start: A focus on education technology enables improved learning outcomes while digital innovation drives quality health care
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The health care and education systems in Bahrain have improved significantly over the last six decades. The kingdom brought forth basic compulsory education in 1919 and a health-for-all policy in 1959, which expanded the two sectors substantially. The government introduced a universal health insurance scheme, set to be launched in early 2025, which will further extend coverage and support service improvements. Greater funding will enhance coordination across the public and private sectors, as well…

Analysis

Talent track: Bahrain’s drive for professional development and private sector engagement in workforce readiness
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Bahrain’s commitment to bridging the skills gap between education and the labour market is evident in various national policies. Addressing companies’ historical preference for expatriate workers, the kingdom aims to boost employability among secondary and tertiary students. The initiatives helping raise workforce readiness include the 2021 Economic Recovery Plan; the National Labour Market Plan (NLMP) 2023-26; the Skills Bahrain programme run by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen); and Closing the Skills…

Interview

Rapid developments: Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, on how improvements in technology are shaping the future of learning
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Interview: Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education How do you envision the future of the education system in the context of global trends? MOHAMMED BIN MUBARAK JUMA: The globalised economy, improvements in ICT and evolving societies have all created new trends that have impacted education systems. Accordingly, Bahrain has made significant investment in the education sector to keep abreast of these global trends which are reshaping scholarship worldwide and redefining teaching and learning…

Interview

Future development: Maryam Hasan Mustafa, CEO, Bahrain Education & Training Quality Authority, on preparing students for the labour market
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Interview: Maryam Hasan Mustafa, CEO, Bahrain Education & Training Quality Authority How do education and training strategies align with the aims of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030? MARYAM HASAN MUSTAFA: Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 provides a clear strategic direction for education and training institutions to develop human capital, setting a robust framework for aligning outcomes with broader economic goals. In recent years Bahrain has witnessed the implementation of multiple strategic cycles,…

Analysis

Patented innovation: Developments in higher education aim to boost patent filing
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International patent filing maintained a steady pace in 2023 compared to previous years, with higher education playinga role in driving innovation and expanding international practices regarding intellectual property (IP). The UNWorld Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Statistics Database reported in its March 2024 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) review that in 2023, 272,600 international patents were filed globally under the PCT – a 1.8% decrease from 2022, ending an upwards…

Analysis

Virtual visits: Adopting health tech to close the care gap in emerging markets
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After a surge in uptake during the Covid-19 pandemic, the telehealth industry is courting new investment to further innovation and increase access to care in emerging markets. Digital health companies raised a record $57.2bn in global venture capital funding in 2021, a 79% jump from the $32bn raised in 2020, with 30% of the total directed towards telehealth. An estimated $140bn in private sector finance will be needed annually between 2015 and 2030 to realise the UN’s health-related Sustainable…

Interview

Innovative approach: Dr Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, on developments within the health care system
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Interview: Dr Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health How does the National Social Health Insurance Programme (Sehati) initiative fit into Bahrain’s broader vision for health care reform? DR. JALILA BINT AL SAYYED JAWAD HASSAN: Sehati is a cornerstone of the country’s health care reform agenda. It embodies a holistic approach to health care delivery, striving to achieve equitable access, foster a competitive medical landscape and ensure the financial sustainability of the system.…

Interview

Expanded offering: Dr George Cheriyan, CEO and Chief Medical Officer, American Mission Hospital, on raising standards in the market
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Interview: Dr George Cheriyan, CEO and Chief Medical Officer, American Mission Hospital In what ways is the transformation of health care in Bahrain improving delivery and raising standards? DR. GEORGE CHERIYAN: Recent advancements in Bahrain’s health care infrastructure have significantly raised standards and quality. Facilities like the King Hamad University Hospital, and specialised cardiac and cancer care centres enhance the provision of specialised medical services across the kingdom. These…