A major revamp of Bahrain's health services, including a possible string of new hospitals, has been ordered.

The Health Ministry has been instructed to draw up a master plan detailing the need for new or modernised hospitals across the country.

Officials will also co-ordinate with the Works Ministry on a feasibility study into building a new maternity hospital in Muharraq, to replace the current 60-year-old facility.

The orders came from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa as he chaired yesterday's Cabinet session at Gudaibiya Palace.

The Health Ministry was also instructed to study the feasibility of building a hospital in A'ali, replacing the Western Region Maternity Hospital.

It would serve the inhabitants of the Western region, Hamad Town and the Central Governorate.

HRH the Premier also ordered maintenance to Muharraq Maternity Hospital, in addition to two other maternity facilities in the Western region and Sitra.

A study on setting up health facilities specialised in caring for patients with chronic diseases was also ordered.

They will be used to accommodate patients whose precarious health condition requires extended admission.

The Cabinet will convene every two weeks this month and next, instead of weekly, it was announced.-TradeArabia News Service