Proposal to ‘exclusively’ reserve healthcare ownership for Bahrainis up for debate

TDT | Manama

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A proposal to make private healthcare ownership in Bahrain exclusive to Bahraini nationals is set for debate in the Shura Council on Sunday.
This initiative, backed by the Services Committee under Dr Jameela Al Salman, also introduces a new penalty system for delayed licence renewals, aimed at tightening regulatory oversight. The plan, which is supported by fellow committee members Dr Ebtesam Al Dallal and Jamal Fakhro, seeks to strengthen Bahraini participation in the healthcare sector by granting sole ownership rights to citizens, with exceptions only for specialised foreign experts.

Local engagement

The proposal outlines that only Bahrainis would have the right to own clinics, medical centres, and other healthcare facilities, enhancing local engagement within the sector. Over recent months, the committee has been in consultation with health regulators, the Supreme Council of Health, and private health groups, all of whom provided feedback on the proposal. While generally supportive, these groups suggested further study to evaluate the potential impact on Bahrain’s healthcare landscape.

Care standards

Data provided by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) highlights the proposal’s objectives: encouraging Bahraini ownership while maintaining care standards. One key feature of the proposal is a revised penalty structure for late licence renewals. Under this scheme, fines would start at 25 per cent of the renewal fee if payment is over due by 30 days, with monthly increases over a three month period. Licences unpaid after this period would face cancellation, reinforcing the proposal’s regulatory aims. Both the Ministry of Health and the Supreme Council of Health have endorsed the plan as a means to promote Bahraini ownership of medical practices.

Local jobs

Private health organisations, including the Private Hospitals Association, have largely welcomed the proposal, recognising its potential to create local jobs. However, they have urged a degree of flexibility in the licence renewal process, proposing options to renew licences for periods ranging from one to three years and suggesting the possibility of fine waivers in specific cases. With committee support, the proposal now moves forward to Sunday’s council debate, where its implications for Bahrain’s healthcare sector will be closely examined.