In the Ministry of Health system you normally start at your health centre. The doctor there decides whether you need hospital care and refers you. You can't book a specialist clinic at a public hospital yourself.
What a health centre can refer you to
- Emergency at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital or King Hamad University Hospital.
- Outpatient specialist clinics at those three hospitals.
- The nutrition clinic, specialist dental care, physiotherapy, and some scans not done at health centres.
Tracking your appointment: the Sehati app books health-centre, dental and prescription-delivery appointments, and shows your upcoming SMC and KHUH appointments with the date, time, doctor and specialty.
Want to see a consultant sooner? SMC runs Limited Private Practice evening clinics open to citizens and residents at reduced prices. Book with the online form, choosing the clinic, consultant and time, and staff call you to confirm.
Help: MOH customer service 8000 8100.
The catch: a referral is the doctor's decision, based on clinical need, so asking for one doesn't guarantee it. Bring earlier reports and test results to the health centre visit.
Steps
- Book a visit at your health centre (through Sehati).
- See the doctor, who decides if you need a referral.
- Watch Sehati for the hospital appointment date.
- Or book an SMC evening clinic yourself through the online form.
Recommended places
- Salmaniya Medical Complex
- King Hamad University Hospital
- Bahrain Defence Force Hospital (Royal Medical Services)