Health

Although major health indicators have improved in recent decades, a growing and ageing population, an elevated incidence of non-communicable diseases and rising care costs have weighed on Bahrain’s health sector in recent years. The government is currently making major strides in addressing these challenges, however, most notably through the planned rollout of a national health insurance system, as well as a flagship inspection and accreditation programme aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of care. Bolstered by rising out-of-pocket expenditure and the development of large-scale, integrated medical infrastructure, investment in the sector is set to rise in the coming years, supporting steady and sustainable expansion. This chapter contains an interview with Dr Mariam Al Jalahma, CEO, National Health Regulatory Authority.