Can Primary Care Restore Patient Trust in the Health System?
Prof. Salman Rawaf Weighs In at Bahrain Conference
At the Bahrain International Conference on Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, held at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain, global health expert Professor Salman Rawaf from the UK delivered a compelling address on the erosion of patient trust in healthcare systems and the pivotal role that primary care can play in restoring it.
Professor Rawaf emphasized that mistrust in healthcare professionals—particularly physicians—is a significant issue in many parts of the world, including the Middle East. 'Patients often feel unheard, misdiagnosed, or over-medicated,' he stated, adding, 'Tomorrow, any of us could be a patient. So, we must ask—are we training doctors that patients can trust?'
System In Crisis
Rawaf warned that many global healthcare systems are failing to meet the needs of their populations. "They are operating without sufficient foresight or consideration for consequences. This leads to diagnostic errors, poor communication, and fragmented care,' he said. He called out a global trend of system fragmentation, with care being siloed between hospitals, specialists, and primary care providers, ultimately leading to higher costs, lower quality, and reduced patient satisfaction.
He advocated for a more integrated health system—one that breaks down the walls between public and private sectors and fosters collaboration. He pointed out successful models in countries where primary care leads the healthcare system, acting as the gatekeeper for services and as the first point of contact for the majority of patients.
Rawaf explained that a shift from hospital-based models to community-centered care is essential. "We need to move from treating diseases to promoting wellness. That's what value-based care is all about—providing quality care while controlling costs," he said.
If healthcare systems continue down the current path, future generations will face severe difficulties accessing care, especially as costs of medications, salaries, and technology rise. Only by reimagining healthcare delivery—starting with strong, trusted primary care—can this be prevented.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Passenger Dies Mid-Flight
TDT | Manama A 65-year-old man from Kerala died yesterday after suffering a medical emergency on board a Kuwait-bound flight that was diverted to Bahrain. Flight Interrupted The passenger, Abdul Salam, a businessman based in Kuwait, was travelling on Air India Express flight IX 493 from Kannur to Kuwait when he began experiencing severe chest pain mid-air. The crew promptly alerted authorities, and the flight was diverted to Bahrain International Airport for urgent medical assistance. Upon landing, he was immediately transferred to King Hamad University Hospital. Despite efforts by medical personnel, Abdul Salam was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. A relative travelling with him also disembarked in Bahrain and remained by his side through the ordeal. Salam was a native of Nileshwaram in Kerala's Kasaragod district. Community Mourns News of his passing has resonated within Bahrain's Malayali expatriate community, many of whom routinely travel the same Gulf routes for work or family reunions. Community members are reportedly assisting with repatriation arrangements. Funeral and repatriation details are being coordinated by relatives with the support of volunteers.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Workplaces Ordered to Station First-Aid Trained Staff
TDT | Manama First-aid trained staff must now be present at every Bahraini workplace under new Health Ministry rules aimed at preventing injuries from becoming fatal. The decision, published in the latest edition of the Official Gazette, lays out new requirements for employers across the private sector. Each site must be ready to deal with medical emergencies, and help must be called at once if someone is badly hurt or suddenly falls ill at work. Names One trained person is needed for every 20 workers, and their names must be kept in a log on site. They must hold a recognised certificate showing they've completed at least one course in first aid. Supplies Another employee must be named to check supplies and deal with inspectors when needed. First-Aid Kits Workplaces must keep first-aid boxes stocked with items listed in a table attached to the ministerial order. These kits must be easy to find and checked regularly to ensure everything is usable. One box is needed for every 100 workers or fewer. Emergencies Employers must also put together a plan for emergencies. This should include ambulance contacts, maps showing the nearest clinic, and a layout of exits. The order forms part of Ministerial Decision No. 16 of 2025, signed by Health Minister Her Excellency Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan. It replaces a 1976 rule on what first-aid boxes should contain. Anyone breaching the new rules may face punishment under Article 192 of the 2012 Labour Law or Article 129 of the Public Health Law, depending on the offence. The decision takes effect the day after it appears in the Gazette.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Drop-Free Vision Begins : New hope for glaucoma patients
TDT | Manama Bahrain's glaucoma patients now have a chance to leave behind the hassle of lifelong eye drops, thanks to a new dual surgery performed at Dr. Haifa Eye Hospital. The procedure, which combines cataract removal with Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) glaucoma surgery, offers a safer, minimally invasive option that lowers eye pressure significantly and improves vision in one sitting. Vision without drops For many, managing glaucoma means a lifetime of medications. But poor adherence and long-term side effects such as eye irritation, allergies, and dryness often cause complications or disease progression. Consultant Dr. Ahmed Almeer, who led the operation, said the dual procedure changes that outlook. 'Instead of waiting for the disease to worsen, this surgery offers early, effective relief,' he said. 'It helps patients reduce or eliminate the need for daily drops, and restores vision at the same time.' National milestone This was not only a medical advancement but also a national one, marking Bahrain's first-ever successful dual KDB eye surgery. The tool removes a small strip of tissue in the eye's drainage system, easing fluid flow and lowering pressure, while avoiding the risks associated with traditional glaucoma procedures. Performed in conjunction with cataract surgery, the operation is especially effective for older patients who often suffer from both conditions. It is also less invasive than conventional methods, resulting in a faster recovery and fewer post-surgical complications. Expanding leadership The milestone builds on Dr. Haifa Eye Hospital's growing reputation for innovation, following its recent introduction of the Preserflo MicroShunt in glaucoma care. Together, these achievements strengthen its standing as one of the Gulf's most progressive eye hospitals. Hospital officials said their focus remains on improving access to advanced procedures that not only preserve sight but also improve the long-term quality of life for patients. The success of this dual surgery now signals a broader shift in how glaucoma is likely to be treated across Bahrain.
