National Health Regulatory Authority Releases Annual Report with Updates on Healthcare in Bahrain

Overview

The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) of Bahrain has recently published its annual report, showcasing its primary activities and achievements from the past year. The report provides detailed information on a range of healthcare aspects, from medical complaints and investigation to clinical trials and investments.

Medical Complaints & Investigation Section

The Medical Complaints and Investigation Section of NHRA dealt with 358 complaints and lawsuits from the past year, out of which 20% were deemed valid. Consequently, around 40 disciplinary measures were taken against concerned officials and medical facilities. This section is entrusted to ensure that healthcare services in Bahrain meet the required quality standards and address any violations that might occur.

Accreditation of Health Facilities

The NHRA has accredited approximately 23 hospitals and 87 medical centres within its accreditation and quality assurance framework, raising the total number of approved health facilities in Bahrain to 110. Most accredited hospitals and centres have adopted primary quality standards measures, accounting for 91% and 85% of the respective facilities. Accreditation plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of care provided to patients, ensuring that they receive the best possible treatments and services.

Medical Devices and Supplies

The NHRA reviewed around 13,000 applications for new medical devices with 11,000 being approved. This number has met all the necessary quality and import standards. This is important for the healthcare industry as quality medical equipment plays a substantial role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Clinical Trials & CPD Regulation Section

The Clinical Trials & CPD Regulation Section of NHRA approves activities for continuous professional development and reviews the applications for clinical trials. Two pending amendments and clarifications were rejected, and four applications were approved. As Bahrain is a country continuously developing in terms of new medical technologies, providing support through professional development opportunities and clinical trials can foster improvements in healthcare research and forward-thinking policies.

Investors Office

The Investors Office of NHRA received 54 investment inquiries from investors worldwide, primarily for the establishment of new medical facilities. The inquiries were from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating that Bahrain is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for prospective investments in the healthcare sector.

Health Facilities Regulation Section

The Health Facilities Regulation Section of NHRA issued 85 new facility licenses and renewed 843 existing ones. Around 5,000 violations identified by inspectors were resolved, ensuring that all healthcare facilities in Bahrain adhered to the necessary regulations. The percentage of licensed facilities increased by 0.4%, bringing the total to 924.

Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Products Regulation Section

The Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Products Regulation Section of NHRA reviewed 743 applications for new drug registrations and 509 applications for license renewals. Approximately 1,000 changes were registered, and 385 pharmaceutical products were classified, increasing the total number of registered drugs in Bahrain to 4,200. Furthermore, NHRA licensed 51 new pharmacies, bringing the total number of licensed pharmacies in Bahrain to 430.

Alternative Medicine

Bahrain has 41 practitioners of alternative medicine and 47 technicians in this field. This suggests that the healthcare sector in Bahrain is diversified and takes into account the preferences of its people, as alternative medicine is becoming increasingly popular.

Conclusion

NHRA has taken significant measures to enhance the healthcare sector in Bahrain. Accreditation of facilities, regulation of pharmaceutical products, and clinical trials are just a few examples of the initiatives taken by the authority. The government’s efforts to develop the healthcare sector are attracting investors interested in supporting a growing medical sector. The wide range of healthcare professionals and services offered, including alternative medicine, is indicative of the accommodating and diverse nature of healthcare in Bahrain.

Originally Post From https://www.newsofbahrain.com/bahrain/100332.html

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