Bahrain Ranks Third in GCC Healthcare for 2024

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain has secured third place in the Gulf for healthcare in 2024, trailing behind the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The ranking, from the CEOWorld magazine Healthcare Index, places the kingdom among the top Arab nations for quality healthcare services, reflecting decades of effort to improve care for citizens and residents alike.

Free healthcare for Bahrainis and subsidised treatment for expatriates form the backbone of the kingdom’s system, which is overseen by the Ministry of Health. Dating back to the 1960s, Bahrain’s healthcare infrastructure has steadily expanded, with investments in hospitals, medical training, and cutting-edge facilities ensuring its relevance in an ever-changing world.

Regionally, Bahrain ranked fifth among Arab countries, following Tunisia and Lebanon. Its Gulf neighbours Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait trailed further down the list. Globally, Taiwan led the table, highlighting the gap between the highest-performing nations and others struggling to meet healthcare demands.

The CEOWorld report assessed systems based on access, cost, professional expertise, and government readiness. Bahrain fared well due to its focus on preventive care, efficient administration, and the availability of skilled healthcare workers. Key projects, such as Salmaniya Medical Complex and King Hamad University Hospital, underpin the kingdom’s ambition to offer dependable and accessible care for all.

Healthcare, seen by many in Bahrain as a basic human right, remains a national priority. The government’s ongoing efforts to modernise facilities, improve medical specialisations, and integrate digital health services have strengthened its system against the pressures of a growing population.

However, the report also drew attention to global disparities in healthcare access. While Taiwan sets the standard for excellence, Bahrain’s strong showing in the Gulf underscores its position as a leader in the region, with a system balancing tradition and progress to meet the needs of its people.