Saeed Haider
WHEN Bahrain focused and showcased tourism as a growing industry, which in reality became a major revenue earner for the kingdom, then the country planners had a definite vision for the promotion of tourism. They knew that the tourists will not pour into the small island for just its breathtaking beaches and shopping malls. The experts wanted to mix tourism with some other attractions that will attract tourists from several Middle East countries as well as neighboring Saudi Arabia, which continues to be its major partner in every aspect.
It was with this vision that they combined business with leisure and tourism with healthcare. This concept caught the imagination of people in the Gulf region particularly in Saudi Arabia.
It is not that Saudi Arabia lags behind in healthcare field, but here was a chance where a patient and those chaperoning him/her could stay away from crowded cities and get the best possible treatment at a very competitive price.
The Bahraini Ministry of Health took this plan on a war footing and aligned airport, hotel industry and important medical facilities so that the visiting patient does not have to run from one place to another. It streamlined the coordination between the three major arms of tourism and asked all hospitals to upgrade their technology and line of treatment in order to meet the international standards and even excel them.
Hospitals and clinics like German Orthopedic Hospital, Janeen Fertility and, Genetic Centre, Royal Bahrain Hospital and Dr. Ali Mattar Clinic responded to the opportunity and today they are considered in Saudi Arabia as among the best medical facilities in the region.
Today Bahrain does not refer patients suffering from chronic diseases to some European countries or Asia instead the local medical facilities and specialized hospitals have earned confidence of the local patients as well as those from the neighboring countries. The Bahraini Ministry of Health continuously keeps a vigil on diseases and the new treatments and has provided all possible help to privately owned hospitals and clinics to acquire new technology and keep abreast with international standards.
“Today our clinics and hospitals are our pride and ready to serve people from Bahrain and outside. We conform to the WHO regulations and closely follow new researches and line of treatment. We also ensure that government owned as well as private hospitals are equipped with the state-of-the-art technology,” said an official at the Bahraini Health Ministry.
