The Shura Council Services Committee convened today, chaired by Dr. Jamila Mohammed Redha Al Salman. The meeting focused on discussing a draft law aimed at updating the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Public Health Law. This draft law proposes amendments to Law No. (34) of 2018, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s healthcare legislation.
Dr. Jalila bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, attended the meeting alongside Dr. Lulwa Rashid Shuwaiter, the Ministry’s Undersecretary, and other Ministry officials. They shared their insights and feedback on the draft law, emphasizing the importance of combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The new draft law proposes the development of a national strategy to combat AMR. This strategy will include clear policies and action plans to reduce the overuse of antibiotics, decrease the prevalence of resistant microbes, and raise awareness among both health workers and the general public. By establishing these goals, the law intends to address the growing global concern over antimicrobial resistance.
The draft law also outlines a comprehensive framework for the public health department. This includes measures to support the national plan for combating AMR. Moreover, the law introduces mechanisms to track progress and ensure compliance with the proposed policies.
Dr. Al Salman, Chair of the Committee, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the legislative and executive branches. She stated that this partnership strengthens institutional work and aligns with Bahrain’s unified national vision. Furthermore, Dr. Al Salman praised the Ministry of Health for its active role in the discussions. The Ministry’s contributions have been instrumental in creating effective health policies that meet both national and international standards.
As the committee continues to review the draft law, it highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to improving healthcare and aligning with global best practices. The goal is to ensure that Bahrain remains a leader in addressing public health challenges.