MedNet, a healthcare management services provider, will nearly double its staff strength in Bahrain by the end of this year under a planned regional service expansion.

"By the end of 2013, MedNet Bahrain will have grown from 18 to 35 employees," MedNet Bahrain general manager Khalil Hazeem told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"This reflects our anticipated business growth this year. The expansion also made it necessary for us to move into new offices in April."

MedNet Bahrain is also undergoing a restructuring to streamline operations. "We are looking to significantly improve the accessibility of information on benefits covered, exclusions and other client and member related services through the introduction of new IT systems by the end of this month," Hazeem added.

He took charge of the Bahrain operations in September last year.

Besides the establishment of new separate departments such as a call centre, IT, production and dispatch, and a receiving unit, led by Ebtihal Hassan with effect from May this year, the restructuring involved enhancing the medical department, with Dr Mohammed Mazen being appointed as the new medical manager in December last year.

Iman Copty assumed the role of network manager effective last month.

"She will be focusing on fostering MedNet's relationship with healthcare providers in the region and supporting plans aimed at expanding the direct billing network arrangement in the region and also globally," said Hazeem.

Also in line with the planned expansion in the region, is the upcoming opening of MedNet branch office in Qatar.

"This will support and expand current business, underlining the anticipated positive development and the company's position in the growing Qatari market," he said.

The company's service offering includes expense ratio optimisation through third-party administrative services for private health insurance companies, self-funded schemes and government health plans.

It also provides managed care services, health risk assessment and management, and also training and consultative services. The company is part of Munich Health which pools global health expertise in reinsurance, primary insurance and risk management within Munich Re (Group).-TradeArabia News Service