Health care in Bahrain is an area on which the authorities pride themselves. Their healthcare practitioners are highly qualified and the hospitals and medical centres are well equipped. There are three private hospitals which offer a full range of medical services and four government run hospitals. There are also 19 regional health centres and five maternity hospitals which support the medical infrastructure. As part of the determination to create a world-class medical service, the government actively welcomes companies to the country who are in the field of medical research or pharmaceuticals. In order to obtain emergency medical treatment the phone number to dial is 998.

All residents are entitled to free healthcare at the public hospitals, although it is possible to purchase private medical insurance for private healthcare. Expats who move to Bahrain for work may find that private medical insurance is included as part of the benefits package. Expats will also find that if they need medical attention they can be dealt with fairly quickly due to the relatively small population in the country. It is also an advantage that many of the medical staff have trained abroad, so they are often very good English speakers.

There are a number of health risks that expats should take into consideration when they move to Bahrain. Some people suffer respiratory problems which are caused by the dust and sand in the air. Those who are manual workers or who spend a great deal of time outdoors may find that they are prone to sunstroke and/or sunburn. There are regulations to prevent people being made to work outdoors in extreme temperatures but during the summer months temperatures are continually high. Newcomers to the country should also be aware of the dangers of dehydration.

In order to obtain the necessary work visas and residency permits, expats have to undergo a medical examination in their home country for a certificate which states they are in general good health and free from all sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDs. Once in Bahrain they have to undergo further medical examinations which are usually arranged by the sponsoring company.

Obtaining medication in Bahrain is similar as in the west, though expats may find that some drugs which require a prescription at home do not in Bahrain and vice versa. There may also be some difficulty in obtaining anti-depressant and sleeping drugs, which are banned. If you take this type of drug regularly you will need a copy of your prescription and a letter from your own doctor to confirm that you need the medication.