88% of public hospital doctors are Bahraini

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain is pushing ahead with a phased plan to increase the number of Bahraini doctors in government hospitals, where nationals currently account for 637 of the total 726 doctors.

The Ministry of Health outlined the strate g y in a parlia - mentary reply to First Deputy Speaker Abdulnabi Salman, emphasizing that Bahraini doctors remain the first choice across the health system. Medical education in the country extends from board training to fellowships and subspecialty programmes, both locally and abroad, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified national doctors.

Primary healthcare centres have already reached 100 per cent Bahrainisation, and new hospital projects are expected to create additional posts. Government hospitals are expanding specialist training, creating clearer career paths for new graduates, and aligning appointments with the specific needs of each facility.

The phased replacement plan also includes sending Bahraini doctors abroad for fellowship training while carefully balancing shortages in some specialties, available vacancies, job ceilings, and funding requirements. Non-Bahraini doctors are recruited only in areas where qualified Bahraini doctors are not yet available.

In the private sector, the Supreme Council of Health is working with Tamkeen to help Bahraini doctors pass board exams through residency training programmes in needed specialties. The initiative also supports medical and dental fellowships abroad, enabling Bahrainis to complete practical training and qualify for consultant-level roles.

Cabinet-backed measures further support education and career development, including loans of up to BD30,000, wage support for newly graduated doctors and dentists, and incentives for private hospitals that prioritise Bahraini hires. Wage support covers 70 per cent of the first-year salary, 50 per cent in the second year, and 30 per cent in the third, with a minimum of BD800. Additional measures aim to boost pay and help doctors acquire advanced clinical skills in demand.