Self-managed healthcentres a top priority of Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Bahrain is witnessing a great transformation in the health sector fuelled by modern policies and most advanced technologies, Supreme Council of Health (SCH) Chairman Lieutenant-General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said yesterday.

This came as he spoke at an event organised by SCH in the presence of Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh, Muharraq Governor Salman Al Mannai and senior Health Ministry officials.

Lt General Dr Shaikh Mohammed highlighted the implementation of the self-management project at primary health care centres in Muharraq Goverorate, stressing the council’s keenness to further enhance the quality of health services.

He attributed the success strides in the health sector to the great leadership and the wisdom of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Lt General Dr Shaikh Mohammed reviewed the success of gradual implementation of self-management at primary health centres that are being implemented in Muharraq Governorate on an experimental basis.

“Freedom of choice and sustainability in the interest of the country and citizens are definitely a top priority,” said SCH Chairman. He highlighted the progress in the implementation of the National Health Insurance Programme, which aims to achieve comprehensive health coverage while enhancing quality and competitiveness.

“Choose Your Doctor programme is one of the pivotal schemes under the self-management programmes that are being implemented to meet the aspirations of beneficiaries. The family doctor is now becoming the first stop for patient follow-up.”

Lt General Dr Shaikh Mohammed stressed the self-management project comes in line with the esteemed government’s work programme and embodies the goals emanating from National Vision 2030.

“All national initiatives are implemented by the Health Ministry to improve the quality and sustainability of health services provided to citizens in accordance with the principles of competitive justice and sustainability.”

Speaking on the occasion, Health Ministry Undersecretary Dr Walid Al Manea highlighted the continuing role of the ministry in providing the best public health services and health education. Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Health, Ibrahim Ali Al Nawakhda, reviewed the latest developments in the implementation of the National Health Insurance Programme, stressing the continuity of free health services, treatment and medicine for citizens.

The CEO of Primary Health Care Centers, Dr Jalila Al Sayed Jawad, said the freedom of choice for citizens will be upheld as the self-managed health centres are implemented across the Kingdom.

“We are developing the quality of services offered at health centres through co-ordination, better communication, improved control and decision-making while optimizing the use of financial and human resources.”

Muharraq Governor Salman Al Mannai thanked the council for organising the event, which highlighted the desired goals of the self-management project.

“We are really proud to team up with the Supreme Council of Health and health authorities to implement all initiatives aimed at developing high quality health services for the larger benefit of citizens.”