Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) and Chairman of the Bahrain Council for Health Studies and Specialisations, visited the University of Bahrain where the first computer-based medical residency admission examination was held.
The examination is held in cooperation with the Arab Board of Health Specialisations.
Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health; Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al Ansari, President of the University of Bahrain; Dr. Ibrahim Ali Al Nawakhdha, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Health; and Dr. Ijlal Faisal Al Alawi, Chief Executive of Primary Healthcare Centres, were present.
Lt. Gen. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah said the examination marks an important step in enhancing Bahrain's medical training system by applying unified, high-quality mechanisms for selecting qualified medical professionals, supporting residency programmes and preparing a qualified healthcare workforce in line with approved professional standards.
Lt. Gen. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah said that holding the first computer-based residency examination reflects Bahrain's commitment to adopting digital solutions and applying international best practices in managing admission examinations. He added that the examination attracted a large number of applicants following a six-week registration period during which applications were reviewed and verified against the admission requirements.
For her part, the Health Minister said the examination forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capabilities of medical professionals and enable them to deliver integrated healthcare in line with the highest standards. She also commended the partnership with the Arab Board of Health Specialisations and the efforts of the supporting and organising entities.
The minister also highlighted the efforts of the SCH and its partners in planning, supervising and implementing the examination. She underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships with specialised regional institutions to support medical training and prepare qualified healthcare professionals, while enhancing the quality and sustainability of Bahrain's healthcare sector.
The medical residency admission examination is a competitive examination for doctors seeking to join residency training programmes across various medical specialties. It aims to select applicants based on unified scientific standards that ensure fairness, transparency and equal opportunities.
Personal interviews for shortlisted candidates are scheduled to take place during August, with final admission results to be announced ahead of the start of the residency programmes in October.