Plans to tackle Bahrain’s modern health challenges and cut skyrocketing medical costs were outlined by the Cabinet yesterday. Rapid population growth meant increasing incidences of chronic and other diseases, ministers heard.
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired the meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.
A draft plan proposed by the Health Ministry to face potential future needs was discussed.
The scheme cited particularly the increasing prevalence of non-infectious chronic diseases, particularly cardio vascular illnesses and cancer, in addition to accidents.
“Demography, chronic diseases and accidents are putting economic burdens on the government, amid skyrocketing per capita medical costs,” Cabinet Affairs Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatala Al Khalifa said.
He stressed the government’s resolve to continue its successful efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals and maintain the quality of health services. The session also discussed the primary healthcare services and plans to consolidate them.
Under the memorandum submitted by Health Minster Dr Faisal Al Hamer, 13 health centres will be built across Bahrain by 2023.
The standard of current secondary and tertiary health services came under scrutiny.
The session stressed the importance of preserving Bahrain’s outstanding health indices to keep pace with global health benchmarks.
Under the ministry’s plan, three new hospitals will be built in the Northern, Central and Southern governorates.
Five specialised medical centres will also be set up to promote secondary and tertiary services. The proposed scheme features a centre for blood diseases, and other advanced similar facilities for tumours, diabetes, dental surgery and intensive care.
HRH the Premier hailed the efforts of the Health Ministry to promote the sector, and referred the memorandum to the ministerial committee for social services and family.
Gulf Daily