Foreign doctors are being allowed to stand for election to the Bahrain Medical Society (BMS) for the first time, said a senior official.

A huge number of expatriates are expected to put themselves forward for the top posts, which would allow them more of a say on key issues such as working conditions and pay scales.

"We always had foreign doctors registered as full-time members with right to vote during board elections," said the official. "But for the first time they can nominate themselves to contest along with Bahraini doctors in the society's election."

Board elections will be held on April 13 and the final date for nominations is tomorrow (March 29).

"We are eagerly looking forward to this election as there will be a bigger turnout compared with all years, especially with the participation of foreign doctors," said the official.

The BMS board was dissolved last April after it emerged some Bahraini members had taken part in anti-government activities during February and March last year.

Health Ministry Arab Board training co-ordinator and Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) consultant emergentologist Dr Nabeel Ansari was earlier appointed as interim chairman.

The BMS official said it was still not clear whether Dr Ansari was planning to stand for the post of president.

Some of the 20 medics on trial for allegedly committing serious offences during Bahrain's unrest are BMS members.

"According to the by-laws, those medics standing trial or facing charges can practise their right to vote as members, but cannot nominate themselves until there is a final verdict in their case," said the official.

The medics are appealing against convictions for illegally occupying SMC during the unrest and possessing weapons by the National Safety Court.

Prosecutors earlier brought two Kalashnikovs, 168 bullets, three Molotov cocktails, four ammunition cartridges and other weapons allegedly confiscated by police from SMC during unrest.

Chains used in religious rituals, screwdrivers, a sword, daggers and a scythe were also previously submitted as evidence.

The BMS compiled a "truth report" last year about the activities of rogue doctors and nurses, who it alleged had violated law and medical ethics. – TradeArabia News Service