Manama: Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) and Chairman of the Bahrain Council for Health Studies and Specialties, along with Dr. Jalila bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, attended the launch of the first Bahraini Board in family medicine exams at the Salmaniya Medical Complex. The event involved 29 trainee doctors and focused on reviewing the exam proceedings and organisational arrangements.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the SCH Chairman highlighted Bahrain’s prioritisation of the health sector, aiming to achieve excellence and sustainability in healthcare services. This initiative aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He acknowledged the support and dedication of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), especially in initiatives geared towards developing and qualifying national medical staff.
The Chairman described the exams as a significant milestone for Bahrain’s health sector, which will enhance opportunities, develop the health system, and improve service quality for citizens and residents. He praised the efforts in organising the first exams of their kind, aimed at increasing the capacity of family doctors in the residency programme. The Council is committed to preparing doctors to deliver high-quality health services, supporting strategic health system goals, and improving service quality. He emphasized that investing in human resources is crucial for achieving comprehensive health development.
On her part, the Health Minister reiterated that the project is a national effort to enhance medical staff efficiency, ensuring healthcare provision meets the highest standards. She praised the partnership with the Arab Board of Health Specialisations and other supporting sectors. The Minister also expressed appreciation for the Bahrain Family Physicians Association, the Studies and Research Department at the Supreme Health Council, and all partners involved in the planning, supervision, and implementation of this national project.
The exams, attended by specialists in health education and training, demonstrated institutional commitment to these national initiatives. The clinical exam was conducted at the Halat Bu Maher Health Centre, while the written exam took place at the Education Development Centre in government hospitals. The Bahraini Board in family medicine represents a strategic effort to emulate the best regional and international practices, ensuring adherence to national and international accreditation standards in health training. This initiative aims to develop and qualify national medical staff, enhancing their efficiency and professional performance, which will positively impact the quality of health services in Bahrain.