Push for 50% Bahraini Workforce in Private Health

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbharain.com

Private health centres could soon be required to hire Bahrainis for half of their key jobs, under a revised bill set for debate in Parliament next session. Supporters say it’s a step to cut joblessness and solidify Bahrain’s economy.

The plan takes root in Bahrain’s constitution, particularly the principle that every citizen has the right to work and that the state should provide fair job opportunities. Proponents argue that Bahraini medical workers should be prioritised in hiring to help reduce unemployment, which, they say, is currently exacerbated by the high number of expats in healthcare roles.

The Services Committee backs the plan, believing it will open more job chances for skilled Bahrainis. Members believe that bringing more locals into healthcare will strengthen the nation’s services and let Bahrainis play a bigger part in developing the sector.

But the government has concerns. While agreeing that more Bahrainis should be employed, they worry that a fixed percentage might create practical challenges for private providers, who may struggle to find Bahrainis with the right expertise for highly specialised roles. The government argues that current policies already encourage hiring Bahrainis through benefits and training, and a strict target could clash with efforts to keep the economy adaptable and appealing to businesses.

The government also emphasises the importance of staying abreast of medical advances, which often demand new skills. In a message to The Council of Representatives, they propose a more flexible approach that would allow Bahrain to attract experts in emerging fields while ensuring a strong Bahraini workforce. This, they suggest, would meet national goals without compromising healthcare quality.

A recent report from the National Health Regulatory Authority reveals that, as of late 2024, over 22,000 people—including doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and technical staff—were employed in private healthcare across 73 clinics, 325 health centres, and 24 hospitals. Yet there remains a shortage of Bahraini specialists in fields like radiology and nursing, making it difficult to reach a 50 per cent Bahraini workforce without more local professionals.

Labour Ministry figures reflect this challenge, showing that around 970 Bahrainis were seeking healthcare jobs at the end of 2023, though few had training in critical areas. This highlights the need for careful planning to ensure increased Bahraini hiring doesn’t compromise care standards.

The Services Committee recommends advancing the plan with adjustments to address challenges faced by private healthcare providers. They propose setting gradual targets or expanding training programmes to increase the number of skilled Bahrainis, balancing the goal of enhancing local employment with the need to maintain high-quality care.