The NAS model of interministry co-operation

I n the critical minutes following a tomedical emergency, the boundary between tragedy and recovery is often measured by the speed and precision of a system.

For decades, Bahrain’s emergency response relied on a decentralized network of hospital-based fleets. However, the maturation of the National Ambulance Service (NAS)—a flagship collaboration between the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the Ministry of Health (MOH)— has redefined the Kingdom’s commitment to public health and safety, positioning it as a regional leader in pre-hospital care.

The genius of the NAS lies in its structural synergy. By placing the National Ambulance Centre under the operational command of the MOI while maintaining the clinical standards of the MOH, Bahrain has effectively bridged the gap between security and healthcare. This unified command, accessible through the 999 emergency line, eliminates the confusion of the past. It ensures that whether a call originates from a bustling Manama street or a quiet suburb in the Southern Governorate, the response is governed by a singular, high-standard protocol. 

The progress witnessed by late 2025 is a testament to this vision. The expansion toward 21 strategically placed centers ensures that life-saving intervention is never more than a few minutes away. Perhaps the most innovative leap in recent months has been the deployment of motorcycle first-responder units.

By bypassing the gridlock of urban traffic to deliver immediate stabilization for cardiac or trauma patients, the NAS has demonstrated an agile, “patient-first” philosophy that transcends traditional logistics. Furthermore, the integration of real-time electronic data sharing between ambulances and major institutions like Salmaniya Medical Complex and the BDF Hospital ensures that emergency departments are prepared before the wheels even stop.

No longer is an ambulance merely a transport vehicle; it is a mobile intensive care unit. As we look toward the goals of Bahrain’s Vision 2030, the NAS stands as a blueprint for inter-ministerial success. It proves that when the state’s security apparatus and healthcare experts align their goals, the result is a safer, more resilient society.