Government Urges Legislative Review of Telemedicine Bill

TDT | Manama 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahraini government has called for a legislative review of the Shura Council's proposed telemedicine bill, citing concerns about its effectiveness, clarity, and potential conflicts with existing legal frameworks.

In a memorandum to the Shura Council, the government acknowledged the bill's stated goal of establishing a legal framework for telemedicine within Bahrain, allowing licensed healthcare institutions to provide remote healthcare services. The bill aims to facilitate access to healthcare for all citizens, promote disease prevention, and establish regulations for telemedicine practice.

The bill, comprising ten articles, defines key terms, outlines the scope of telemedicine services, and addresses licensing requirements, including the issuance of temporary licenses for visiting physicians. It also mandates the maintenance of patient data records and specifies penalties for violations.

However, the government argues that the bill's objectives are already being met through existing regulations and policies. It highlights the authority granted to the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) to oversee and develop healthcare practices in both public and private sectors, ensuring high standards of efficiency, safety, and effectiveness.

The government emphasises that the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) is responsible for developing and implementing the national health strategy, including the establishment of a unified information technology system for all healthcare institutions.

Furthermore, the government points to the comprehensive regulations governing private healthcare institutions and the SCH's decision on the classification of healthcare facilities, which includes specific requirements for telemedicine services, including technical specifications and data management protocols.

The government concludes that a separate law for telemedicine is unnecessary as the existing regulatory framework provides sufficient flexibility to address evolving needs and ensure the achievement of health policy goals. The government believes that the current legal framework for private healthcare institutions, coupled with the proposed law on the practice of healthcare professions, will effectively unify the legal framework for healthcare services and clarify the responsibilities of individuals and institutions.