Manama: The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has signed an agreement with Solidarity Bahrain to implement the Health Insurance for Residents programme, marking a major milestone in the phased rollout of the overall National Health Insurance Programme. Lt. General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the SCH Chairman, described the agreement as an important step in advancing the efficiency and sustainability of the Kingdom's healthcare system while improving the quality of services provided to beneficiaries.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Health Insurance Programme for Residents is designed to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for residents through an integrated regulatory and governance framework. It aims to improve the quality and sustainability of healthcare services, optimise the use of financial resources across the health sector, and reinforce public-private collaboration ahead of the full implementation of the National Health Insurance programme.
Lt. General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla added that mandatory health insurance coverage for residents will include primary and secondary healthcare services, as well as emergency care, through standardised insurance packages offered by a consortium of accredited health insurance providers. The Chairman affirmed that implementation will be carried out in coordination with the relevant government entities, as well as public and private healthcare providers, through an integrated digital platform. The platform will streamline registration for the mandatory health insurance package, enable beneficiaries to access covered healthcare services, and link health insurance coverage with work permit and residency procedures.
Lt. General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla also emphasised that the programme applies exclusively to residents. Bahraini nationals will continue to receive comprehensive healthcare coverage as stipulated in the Health Insurance Law (23) of 2018, with no changes to their existing healthcare entitlements. Domestic workers are also not included in this programme.
Jawad Mohammed, Solidarity Bahrain Chief Executive Officer, expressed Solidarity's pride in partnering with the Supreme Council of Health to implement the programme, reaffirming its commitment to delivering advanced insurance solutions and an integrated operating model that supports the provision of high-quality healthcare services. He affirmed Solidarity's readiness to work closely with healthcare providers and sector partners to ensure its efficient implementation in line with the highest international standards.
The National Health Insurance Programme is expected to further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Bahrain's healthcare system while supporting the continued improvement of healthcare services, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.