National Institution for Human Rights – Kingdom of Bahrain specialized qualification center that psychologically and physically prepares people infected with the disease. In view of lack of sufficient awareness of the disease, some cases have developed to what can be classified as people with special needs. 21. Taking into account the recommendations of the World Health Organization, which refer to the necessity of having one medical practitioner for every thousand people, the number of medical practitioners, according to the Ministry of Health statements, is around 2500 medical practitioners. Therefore, the number of medical practitioners does not achieve the appropriate standard in the provision of appropriate health services for a population of two million and nearly 318 thousand people. This will affect the quality of these services, and the possibility of falling into medical malpractices. As a result, this would be detrimental to the right of the individual to the enjoyment of the required highest attainable levels of health care and services. 22. Concerning the standard related to the sufficiency of the medical services provided, NIHR observed shortage in the number of beds at Salmaniya Medical Complex, which results in delays in patient access to health services. In addition, the capacity of health centers is not commensurate with the number of patients, and thus these centers are unable to meet their needs. 23. Within the framework of NIHR mandate to receive complaints related to the right to health, the National Institution received four complaints. Two complaints were filed by patients with sickle cell anemia related to not receiving treatment and the degrading treatment at the health facility. One complaint was about medical malpractice and negligence in treatment. The last complaint was a request for treatment abroad the Kingdom. 24. NIHR, upon the receipt of such complaints, considered these complaints and expressed its legal opinion on them. NIHR addressed the Ministry of Health in relation to the two complaints about not receiving treatment and the degrading treatment for SCD patients. The Ministry replied concerning only one complaint. It indicated that the Ministry is following up and investigating into the matter in order to take the necessary action. The Ministry did not respond as to the second complaint, despite repeated correspondences. As for the complaints received about medical malpractice and negligence in treatment, NIHR found out that the complainant did not refer to the competent authority. The concerns raised by the complainant necessitate technical investigation by specialists. Therefore, the complainant was directed to refer the matter to the relevant authority. As for the complaint related to the request for receiving treatment abroad the Kingdom, the complainant did not provide anything to prove that his proper medical treatment is not available inside the Kingdom. NIHR found out that he continued to receive treatment at government and private health facilities. RECOMMENDATIONS: In light of the foregoing, NIHR recommends the following: 1. Urging the legislative authority to expedite the discussion and approval of the draft law on medical liability, which is prepared in the light of the draft law submitted by the Council of Representatives, in order to be an integrated legislation that is concerned in particular with stating the rights and duties of patients, medical practitioners, and health care providers, and the implications of violations. 2. The need for the Ministry of Health to adopt and implement a national health strategy, for the purpose of improving health services, in line with the requirements of population growth. 94