Bahrain government reduces medical tourism spend

Bahrain intends to reduce the number of citizens sent for treatment abroad. Bahrain is set to fly medical experts in to the country as part of a cost-saving measure to be implemented in 2016

In 2015, the Bahrain government spent $66 million on foreign care for its citizen, sending around 1,500 citizens overseas for treatment. The government covers the cost of the treatment as well as flights, hotel accommodation and spending money.

The Health Minister has stated that Bahrain intends to reduce the number of citizens sent for treatment abroad, by providing more medical services within the Kingdom.

Bahrain is set to fly medical experts in to the country as part of a cost-saving measure to be implemented in 2016. Doctors from India, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, the UK, Belgium and the US have agreed to take part in the new scheme.

Bahrain has identified medical and health tourism as an area it wants to expand, although it is not clear on how it will do this. The government is targeting Russian investors to develop healthcare facilities for medical tourists. With the low price of oil forcing the government of Bahrain to curtail spending and put some long-term projects on hold, it is looking for new income streams.