MPs propose higher public health fees for expats and visitors

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Higher fees for all public health services for non-Bahraini workers and visitors are proposed under an urgent parliamentary motion, with charges to move closer to private-sector rates to improve spending, better aim subsidies and keep the health budget steady.

The motion is submitted by MPs Khalid Buanaq, Ahmed Al Salloom, Zainab AbdulAmeer, Eman Shuwaiter and Hisham Al Awadhi.

They say the state carries a heavy bill for providing services to non-Bahrainis at nominal prices and call for a review so funds are steered to national priorities and the quality of care for citizens is maintained.

In their explanatory note, the MPs say today’s low fees draw residents and visitors to government hospitals instead of private providers, leading to crowding that slows service and weakens performance.

Higher charges, they argue, would ease the load on public facilities and push some demand towards the private sector, giving a better balance in how services are delivered and helping day-to-day operations.

They add that current prices do not match the real cost of treatment.

Pegging fees nearer to market rates would, in their view, support the finances of public hospitals and allow upgrades to health infrastructure for the benefit of citizens and residents.

Revenue

The MPs also say increased revenue would let the Health Ministry shift money towards prevention and priority programmes.

The proposal is marked urgent because of its direct bearing on public spending and the state budget.

The sponsors describe the plan as a balanced step aimed at fair use of health services, keeping standards for Bahrainis while preserving residents’ access on prices they consider more realistic.