Digital Health Integration

The right to decent and free-of-charge healthcare is a constitutional right for every citizen in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The National Health Information System (I-SEHA): is a key initiative of the Ministry of Health in Bahrain. It aims to provide quality, regulated, and comprehensive health services that are accessible, affordable, and sustainable to all citizens in the country.

The I-SEHA program is part of the Ministry of Health's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategy, which seeks to leverage technology to improve healthcare outcomes and enhance the overall patient experience. One of the key features of the I-SEHA program is its electronic health record (EHR) system. This system allows all healthcare providers to access patient records and medical history online, improving the accuracy and efficiency of patient care. Patients can access their health records through a secure online portal, allowing them to take a more active role in their healthcare.

Bahrain has also explored telemedicine and remote consultations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an integrated framework that encompasses all related stakeholders in one single system and mobile app (BeAware). The country has launched a telemedicine platform, Sehati, which allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely. Bahrain has also been using chatbots to provide medical advice and answer patients' questions.

The Digital Health Integration System (DHIS): is a key initiative of the Bahrain Digital Government. It is a project to create a unified platform for health data in Bahrain. This will allow for the sharing of health data between different government agencies and healthcare providers, which will improve the quality of healthcare for patients.

The DHIS is being developed by the Ministry of Health in Bahrain in collaboration with the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA). The project is expected to be completed in 2024.

The DHIS will have a number of benefits for the healthcare system in Bahrain, including:

• Improved quality of healthcare: By sharing health data between different agencies and providers, the DHIS will help ensure patients can access the most up-to-date information about their healthcare. This will lead to better diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
• Increased efficiency: The DHIS will help streamline the healthcare system by eliminating duplicate data entry. This will free up time for healthcare professionals to focus on patient healthcare.
• Reduced costs: The DHIS will help in reducing healthcare costs by tracking and managing resources easier. This will save money for the government and healthcare providers.

Pre- Employment Health Checkup

The pre-employment health checkup is a major step in ensuring the health and safety of workers in Bahrain. It is a key initiative developed as a form of Public-Private Partnership to streamline the process and provide better service for users. It helps identify potential health risks affecting employees' ability to work safely. The checkup also helps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in the workplace.

• All employers in Bahrain must conduct pre-employment health checkups for their employees.
• The checkup must include tests for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and tuberculosis.
• The cost of the checkup is to be borne by the employer.
• A registered medical practitioner must conduct the check-up.
• The check-up results must be submitted to the Ministry of Health for approval.

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