Fake Medics Face Jail
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Parliament approved a draft law increasing penalties for unlicensed allied medical practice to up to five years in prison and a BD5,000 fine, as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of the healthcare sector.
The bill, linked to Decree No. 9 of 2026, was urgently passed in principle, article by article, and in its final form before being referred to the Shura Council.
The amendments to Article 23 of Decree-Law No. 2 of 1987 also make the closure of facilities and confiscation of equipment optional for courts or regulators, instead of mandatory. Authorities would still be allowed to impose administrative closure until court proceedings are completed.
MPs said the tougher penalties aim to protect public health and prevent unqualified practitioners from operating in Bahrain’s medical sector.
During the session, lawmakers also called for stronger monitoring measures and increased hiring of Bahraini medical graduates, particularly dentists, in government health institutions.
According to figures from the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), Bahrain has 367 licensed allied medical centres. Violations related to Article 23 dropped from 27 cases in 2023 to six cases so far in 2026.
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