Tamkeen funds BD800 wages for Bahraini doctors
Bahraini doctors in private hospitals are now guaranteed a minimum salary of BD800 a month under a wage support scheme, while private healthcare providers increasing their local workforce by at least a quarter will qualify for extra funding.
The move, spearheaded by Tamkeen in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Health and the Ministry of Health, is part of a wider effort to strengthen Bahrain's medical workforce and reduce reliance on overseas staff.
Tamkeen's chief executive, Maha Mofeez, responding to a parliamentary inquiry from MP Abdulla Nabi Salman, said the measures had been shaped by market realities.
'We've built these programs around real needs, ensuring Bahrainis in the healthcare sector are not just employed but positioned for long-term careers,' she said. 'It's about making sure medical professionals here have every reason to stay, train, and build their expertise.'
A key part of the plan is financial backing for doctors seeking board certification, both in government hospitals and private clinics.
Support
Depending on the specialization, support will be available for up to five years. The aim, according to Tamkeen, is to encourage more doctors to obtain their qualifications locally rather than looking abroad.
Alongside this, doctors pursuing fellowships will be eligible for financial aid to gain the credentials needed to step up to consultant roles.
Meanwhile, newly trained Bahraini nurses will receive help securing jobs, with further funding set aside for those specializing in surgical care, cardiology, nephrology, and emergency medicine.
Message
For private hospitals, the message is clear — hire more Bahraini doctors, and Tamkeen will help cover the costs. Institutions that increase their workforce of doctors and dentists by at least 25 percent will be entitled to extra funding, a measure designed to ensure local talent is not overlooked.
'It's not just about training,' Mofeez said. 'It's about changing the way the healthcare sector approaches recruitment. Bahrainis must be front and center in this profession.'
Measures
The latest push builds on earlier measures rolled out in 2023, which saw newly hired doctors receive a guaranteed salary of at least BD800, while those already working in private hospitals had their wages lifted to an average of BD858.
An education loan scheme was also introduced to help doctors fund their postgraduate studies.
This new phase, developed with input from the Council for Health Studies and Specialties, represents a deliberate shift in Bahrain's workforce strategy.
Healthcare careers
Tamkeen is now focused on deepening local expertise and ensuring healthcare careers in Bahrain are both competitive and sustainable.
Mofeez said the organisation was ready to work closely with lawmakers to refine and expand these efforts.
'We're fully committed to strengthening this sector in ways that benefit the workforce and the country as a whole,' she said.
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