Manama:The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) recently convened a meeting with representatives from the Bahrain Insurance Association and several insurance companies to assess preparations for the "Sehati" National Health Insurance Programme. The meeting took place at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) as the country gears up for the programme's launch on October 31.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting focused on the regulatory and operational arrangements necessary for rolling out the programme. Dr. Ibrahim Ali Al Nawakdha, SCH Secretary-General, expressed the Council’s dedication to collaborating with the insurance sector, which is seen as a crucial partner in enhancing Bahrain’s health insurance system.
Dr. Al Nawakdha highlighted the programme as a pivotal move towards regulating healthcare access for eligible residents while boosting efficiency and sustainability within the sector. He stressed the need for ongoing coordination with relevant entities to ensure readiness for the launch as part of the phased implementation of Bahrain's National Health Insurance Programme.
The meeting also examined arrangements for mandatory health insurance coverage for eligible groups and discussed opportunities for insurance companies to offer additional supplementary health insurance products. This would provide beneficiaries with more options to meet their healthcare needs.
Participants from the Bahrain Insurance Association and the insurance companies underscored the significance of continued cooperation with SCH to clarify the procedures and requirements necessary for implementing the programme. "Sehati" aims to standardize healthcare access through an integrated insurance framework but will exclude Bahraini citizens, domestic workers, and residents employed by government entities and their dependents, ensuring that healthcare services for Bahraini citizens remain unchanged.