Primary Healthcare Centres have launched an enhanced video consultation service at Hamad Town Health Centre. The launch was attended by Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), and Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health.
The SCH Chairman said that developing the video consultation service at Primary Healthcare Centres is part of ongoing efforts to improve the Kingdom of Bahrain’s healthcare system and make use of modern technology to provide more efficient and sustainable healthcare services. This will make it easier for people to access healthcare and support digital transformation in the health sector.
He noted that expanding digital solutions reflects Bahrain’s focus on keeping pace with future healthcare trends, helping to improve service quality and the efficiency of the healthcare system.
For her part, the Health Minister said that developing the video consultation service at Primary Healthcare Centres is an important addition to the healthcare services provided to citizens and residents. It also makes it easier to obtain medical consultations without the need to attend in person in cases where this is not necessary.
She said the service will help ensure continuity of care, improve the patient experience and support more efficient use of healthcare resources. She added that Primary Healthcare Centres will continue to develop healthcare services and adopt digital solutions that meet the needs of the community and keep pace with rapid developments in healthcare.
Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), said that developing the service is an important step in the digital transformation of healthcare services in Bahrain. It reflects the government’s approach to using modern technology to improve the efficiency and integration of healthcare services and enhance the experience of citizens and residents.
He said the development of the service is part of implementing the priorities of the Government Plan 2023–2026 and supports the digital transformation of government services. This highlights the importance of integration and cooperation between government entities in using digital and technological solutions to develop the healthcare system and other national systems, making them more flexible, sustainable and responsive to public needs.
Dr. Ejlal Faisal Al Alawi, CEO of Primary Healthcare Centres, said that developing the service is a major step in the digital transformation of primary healthcare services. She noted that the service will improve the efficiency of the healthcare system and reduce pressure on health centres by easing congestion and allocating resources more effectively.
Dr. Al Alawi said Primary Healthcare Centres are committed to continuously developing their services with the patient at the centre of their priorities. She noted that the service responds to the needs of citizens and residents and keeps pace with global developments in healthcare delivery, making healthcare services more accessible and ensuring continuity of care.
She added that the video consultation service at Primary Health Centres is one of the latest initiatives under the "Choose Your Doctor" programme. It allows patients to communicate directly by video with their family doctor or the group of doctors responsible for their care, supporting continuity of treatment, strengthening the relationship of trust between patient and doctor, and improving the quality of healthcare provided.
The service will be available at all health centres from Sunday to Thursday, during morning and evening hours, subject to appointment availability. At this stage, video consultations at Primary Healthcare Centres can be booked through the call centre on 80007000 or by visiting the health centre in person.