The Regional Health Financing Forum 2025 began today in Bahrain. The theme is “Enhancing Value for Money in Health Spending.” Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Health, opened the event. The forum will run from April 15 to 17, 2025, at the Wyndham Hotel. Bahrain is hosting this event in collaboration with the World Bank.
The forum brings together key decision-makers and experts. These include representatives from health, finance, and national health insurance authorities. The forum also welcomes global organizations such as the World Bank, the Global Fund, and the World Health Organization. Together, they aim to discuss ways to improve health financing in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
In his opening speech, His Excellency the President of the Supreme Council of Health welcomed the participants. He emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to building a more sustainable, efficient, and fair healthcare system. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing financing methods to address regional health sector challenges.
Bahrain has already taken several steps to improve health financing. The country restructured service providers to become more flexible. Bahrain also created a government social health insurance fund. Additionally, expatriates are now covered under the Hakeem program. This shift focuses on strategic purchasing based on efficiency and value.
His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa pointed out that the forum is an important platform for sharing best practices. He encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussions. These discussions could help create lasting improvements in regional health systems.
The forum’s program includes various dialogue sessions and workshops. Topics will cover more efficient financing methods and pricing priority health products. They will also explore strengthening the private sector’s role. Specialized sessions will focus on improving healthcare quality and managing pharmaceutical spending.
The forum aims to foster collaboration. By exchanging ideas, participants hope to enhance value for money in health spending across the region.
