Manama:The Ministry of Health has announced a new decision, Decision No. (20) of 2026, aimed at regulating premarital medical screening for both men and women as part of its commitment to improving preventive healthcare services. This decision is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to enhance coordination with relevant authorities, improve healthcare quality, and raise public awareness about the importance of early disease detection.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the ministry emphasized that this initiative seeks to strengthen disease prevention, reduce health complications, and protect the health of families, communities, and future generations. The decision outlines the diseases covered by the examinations and aims to strengthen prevention against certain genetic and infectious diseases while providing health education, guidance, and medical counseling to prospective spouses.
The Ministry of Health detailed that the decision includes rules, regulations, and procedures for premarital medical screening, such as conducting necessary examinations, explaining their results, potential health complications, and offering medical counseling alongside preventive and treatment plans in line with clinical guidelines. The ministry stressed the importance of ensuring that prospective spouses receive reliable health information and understand their health status to make informed decisions.
Coordination and cooperation among healthcare authorities are required to enhance the efficiency and quality of premarital screening services, facilitating access to necessary healthcare services. The decision also prioritizes protecting individuals' privacy during screening and strengthening confidence in healthcare services. Premarital medical screening certificates are issued upon completion of the procedures as per the decision’s provisions and regulations.
The Ministry of Health highlighted that premarital medical screening is crucial for promoting health awareness and shared responsibility for family health. Raising awareness about potential health complications and preventive measures while encouraging informed health decisions among prospective spouses contributes to reducing the transmission of certain genetic and infectious diseases, supporting efforts to build healthier future generations.