National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) and the Bahrain Healthcare Market Overview
The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) is an independent regulatory body established in 2010, under Law No. 38 of 2009, of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bahrain's hospitals, medical centres, pharmacies, physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, medical technicians and allied healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals must be registered with, and/or licensed, by NHRA.
Mission, Vision and Strategic Goals
According to the NHRA's website, its mission is "to regulate the provision of healthcare in Bahrain and ensure appropriateness, continuity, efficiency and safety in delivering health services, both in the governmental and private sector." It will be based on the best scientific evidence and healthcare best practices, in accordance to international standards. As per the authority's statements, NHRA's Vision is "to ensure safe and high quality in the delivery of healthcare in the kingdom."
Its strategic goals include the following:
- The regulation and accountability of all healthcare facilities so that they meet the required standards for licensing.
- The continuous monitoring of the quality of the provision of health services to ensure compliance with evidence-based practices and accreditation standards.
- The preservation and protection of patients' health rights, as well as the rights and the safety of all people who use the health care facilities.
Key Responsibilities
NHRA's responsibilities listed on its official website are essential for maintaining standards within the Kingdom. These duties include:
- Issue regulations and executive decisions concerning the organization of professions and health services.
- Grant and renew licences for health professionals and healthcare facilities.
- Investigate patients complaints and undertake disciplinary hearings of licensees regarding professional misconduct.
- Determine the terms and conditions for the use of health care informatics.
- Monitor, evaluate and accredit healthcare facilities.
- Approving clinical trials and registration of medical devices.
- Setting the rules for drug registration and pricing, and ensure the quality of medicines and pharmaceuticals.
Leadership and Professional Oversight
The Chief Executive Officer of NHRA, Dr. Mariam Adhbi Al-Jalahma, is responsible for the implementation and development of health regulations in both governmental and private sectors in Bahrain. This involves regulatory procedures related to licensing health care facilities as well as licensing health care professionals within them. NHRA also verifies the authenticity of degrees and certificates of healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors and pharmacists, before licensing them to work in Bahrain.
Dr. Mariam Al Jalahma mentioned that NHRA ensures that there are no malpractices in the import of medical equipment and essential drugs. Furthermore, the authority is ready to receive reports about medical and professional errors and serious accidents by institutions in order to ensure action is taken, to improve performance and to take disciplinary measures against health guilty professions practitioners.
Response to Covid-19
In December 2020, NHRA announced it has officially approved the registration of Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine after the submission of all related documentation by G42 Healthcare. Additionally, with NHRA's approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bahrain became the second country in the world to grant an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the vaccine.
Bahrain Healthcare Market Analysis
The Bahrain healthcare market is valued at USD 2.4 billion, according to estimates tracking healthcare expenditure from USD 1.8 billion in prior years. This substantial increase is driven by public-sector dominance in service delivery, growing outpatient and inpatient care spending, and ongoing infrastructure and workforce investment. Healthcare delivery is concentrated in the Capital Region (Manama), particularly around Salmaniya Medical Complex, which is the largest tertiary hospital with approximately 1,200 beds.
Market Segmentation by Care Setting
The following table outlines the distribution of the Bahrain healthcare market:
| Care Setting Segment | Market Share | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Public Hospitals (MoH, BDF, University) | 45% | Dominant due to extensive government funding and universal coverage. |
| Private JCI-Accredited Hospitals | 25% | Favored for specialized care and medical tourists. |
| Private Non-JCI Facilities | 15% | Catering to general outpatient demand. |
| Day Surgery & Ambulatory Clinics | 10% | Rising due to efficiency and convenience. |
| Home-Based & Long-Term Care | 5% | Growing with aging population needs. |
Market Segmentation by Payer Type
- Public Schemes: 50% (driven by universal subsidies and institutional funding).
- Employer-Sponsored Plans: 20% (mandatory insurance for expatriates).
- Private Health Insurance: 15% (opted for by middle-income individuals).
- Self-Pay: 10% (covers those seeking services outside insurance).
- International/Medical Tourism: 5% (supported by quality private hospitals).