The Bahraini-French medical program recently honored five doctors from the 2024 batch before their departure for France. The event took place at the Résidence of France on October 9, with the presence of H.E. Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health. These doctors, who come from the Bahrain Defense Force – Royal Medical Services military hospitals and Salmaniya public hospital, are part of the 2023-2024 cohort of the “Doctors of the Gulf” program. The Ambassador of France to Bahrain, H.E. Éric Giraud-Telme, emphasized the importance of this training program in enhancing the skills of the graduating doctors.
During the ceremony, H.E. Éric Giraud-Telme highlighted the long tradition of medical excellence in France, mentioning the 800th anniversary of Montpellier University of Medicine, the first university of its kind in the world. He also acknowledged France’s 13 Nobel Prize winners in Medicine, underlining the country’s contributions to the field. The event celebrated the 5 doctors’ proficiency diplomas in French (DELF B2) and wished them success as they embark on their training journey in France.
The “Doctors of the Gulf” program, established through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2019, aims to promote medical cooperation between France and Bahrain. This initiative allows Bahraini doctors to enhance their skills in France and later return to Bahrain to contribute to the local healthcare system across various medical specialties. The program aligns with Bahrain’s healthcare vision of creating a comprehensive and integrated healthcare system to meet the nation’s needs.
Ambassador Giraud-Telme expressed his eagerness to explore additional forms of healthcare cooperation between France and Bahrain. These may include fellowships, nursing training, sharing expertise on complex clinical cases, and France’s participation in the Manama Health Conference. The collaboration between the two countries aims to further strengthen the healthcare sector in Bahrain and facilitate knowledge exchange between medical professionals from both nations.
The participation of H.E. Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, at the event underscored the significance of the Bahraini-French medical program. His presence highlighted the commitment of Bahrain’s leadership to supporting initiatives that enhance the skills and expertise of healthcare professionals. The program not only benefits the individual doctors but also contributes to the overall development of Bahrain’s healthcare sector.
As the 5 graduating doctors prepare to embark on their training in France, they carry the hopes and expectations of their nation with them. Their journey represents a step towards further strengthening the ties between Bahrain and France in the field of healthcare. By gaining advanced skills and knowledge in French medical institutions, these doctors will be better equipped to serve the healthcare needs of the Bahraini population upon their return. The support and collaboration between the two nations in the medical field pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for Bahrain.
