Manama: Dr. Mariam Athbi Al Jalahma, Chief Executive Officer of Government Hospitals, conducted a media tour with local newspaper editors to highlight key achievements made by government hospitals in 2024. The visit aimed to showcase service improvements, capacity upgrades, and the impact of ongoing reform efforts across Bahrain's public healthcare sector.
According to Bahrain News Agency, government hospitals have completed 80% of their self-management reform plan, marking a significant step towards enhancing operational autonomy and service delivery. Salmaniya Medical Complex, the Kingdom's largest hospital, reported an average occupancy rate of 80%, with intensive care units reaching 90%, indicating high demand and throughput. Dr. Al Jalahma emphasized the commitment to expanding service quality and efficiency through strategic planning that prioritizes integrated, patient-centered care.
The public hospital system recorded over 1.2 million visits in 2024, including more than 400,000 emergency cases and 509,000 outpatient consultations. Bahrainis accounted for 82% of the total patient visits. To address rising healthcare needs, 56 additional beds were introduced, and specialized units were launched, including a short-stay facility for women with sickle cell anemia and a psychiatric emergency wing, further supporting efforts to provide tailored and responsive care.
The hospitals performed over 22,000 surgeries, 7,600 births, and more than 20 million lab tests. Radiology services conducted over 316,000 scans, reflecting the extensive range of clinical operations. Training and development initiatives continued to advance, with 46 doctors sent for fellowship programs, 304 doctors enrolled in board qualifications, and over 1,500 nurses trained across various specialties, enhancing the capacity of national medical staff.
In alignment with government digital transformation goals, 23 new e-services were launched, including sick leave requests, appointment changes, and medical report applications. Remote clinics were also introduced in correctional facilities. Institutional performance was strengthened through 145 development projects and the monitoring of 47 key performance indicators. Enhanced risk management and clinical audit systems were introduced alongside a strategic planning division and a digital dashboard to support governance and accountability.
Dr. Al Jalahma noted several major recognitions earned in 2024. Salmaniya Medical Complex was named an official exam center for the Royal College of Physicians (UK), received Australian accreditation, ISO certification for its laboratory, national platinum-level accreditation from Bahrain's health regulator, and institutional approval from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. The hospitals also won three regional awards for patient safety.