Bill seeks Tamkeen funding for Bahraini doctors’ overseas board training

TDT | Manama

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Tamkeen could soon fund Bahraini doctors pursuing international board certification abroad, under a new bill tabled in Parliament. Lawmakers say the move would ease pressure on limited local training slots, with over 1,000 applicants competing for fewer than 100 seats each year.

An explanatory note says the existing programme, run jointly by the Supreme Council of Health and Tamkeen, cannot meet demand and leaves many doctors unable to advance. It adds that international board qualifications are globally recognised benchmarks offering stronger theoretical and practical training, which would ultimately enhance healthcare standards in Bahrain.

MPs backing the bill — Dr Hisham Al Ashiri, Mahmood Fardan, Mamdouh Al Saleh, Jaleela Al Alawi and Mohsen Al Asboul — say extending support overseas would raise the calibre of Bahrain’s medical workforce, ensure fair access to career growth, and serve as a long-term investment in human capital. The current local training partnership would continue alongside the new initiative.