Parliamentary Investigative Committee to expose deficits in Bahrain’s medical services

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Parliamentary Investigative Committee on Medical Services is set to present its comprehensive report tomorrow, shedding light on major deficits in medical equipment, logistics, human power and infrastructure.

Formed in October 2023 following a request tabled by several MPs, the committee includes MP Mahdi Al Shuwaikh as a chairman and MP Abdullah Al Rumaihi as a Vice Chairman. The other members are Eman Shuwaiter, Jameel Mulla Hassan, Zainab Abdulameer, Mohammed Jassim Al Alaiwy, Mohammed Refeeq Al Hussain and Hisham Al Awadhi.

The report of the committee features six chapters, namely the Medical Errors in Hospitals and Healthcare Centers under the Ministry of Health, the recurring shortages of medications and medical equipment needed by patients, the medical appointments granted to patients with long waiting times, the decline in healthcare services at Salmaniya Medical Complex, government hospitals, and healthcare centers under the Ministry of Health, and assessing the existence of development plans, the employment of Bahraini doctors and Bahraini healthcare professionals in various medical positions and the policy of Bahrainisation while preserving Bahraini competencies, and, finally the implementation of updated protocols for the treatment of common diseases.

Presenting the report will allow MPs to discuss in the open the medical services extended to citizens and residents in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the open.

Findings

The Daily Tribune had previously published the committee’s findings, which totaled 32 conclusions. One of the key observations made by the committee is the presence of a competence deficit in multiple departments, particularly in the Emergency and Accident Department at Salmaniya Medical Complex.

This shortage has been highlighted as a significant concern, affecting the delivery of specialised medical care. Moreover, the committee expressed its concerns over the existence of numerous vacant positions listed on the organisational structure of the medical health sector.

These unfilled roles have a direct impact on the overall healthcare services provided by government hospitals and health centers, leading to inefficiencies in delivering timely and adequate medical attention.

Pressing issues

To address these pressing issues, the investigative committee has recommended expediting the recruitment process to fill the vacant positions within the structures of government healthcare institutions.

Furthermore, they emphasise the need for clear and transparent criteria for recruitment and promotion, particularly for supervisory and administrative roles.

Additionally, the committee has proposed the establishment of a dedicated department to monitor and support female diabetes patients. This specialised unit aims to provide better care and management for this specific segment of the population, considering the growing prevalence of diabetes in Bahrain.

Another crucial recommendation put forth by the committee involves the development of an integrated information system that links health centers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical warehouses. This system aims to streamline the flow of information, ensuring efficient coordination and supply of medications across the healthcare network.