The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) has unveiled plans for a significant campus expansion project valued at US$45 million, coinciding with its 20th anniversary in the kingdom. The expansion aims to enhance the university’s capacity for advanced medical education and research.
The centrepiece of the expansion is a new state-of-the-art academic building that will add 7,912 square metres of usable space. This facility will house enhanced teaching areas, cutting-edge research laboratories, a modern library, social spaces, and a spacious event hall. The design prioritises sustainability, incorporating features such as solar panels, LED lighting, and water conservation systems.
RCSI Bahrain has recently signed an agreement with Nass Corporation for the construction of this ambitious project. The expansion is set to address the growing demand for advanced medical education and research facilities in the region.
Focus on interdisciplinary and patient-centred research
Since its establishment, RCSI Bahrain has consistently achieved significant milestones, with a particular emphasis on innovative research. The university’s School of Post-graduate Studies and Research focuses on interdisciplinary clinical and patient-centred research, addressing key national, regional, and global health challenges.
Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, highlighted the institution’s achievements: “As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in Bahrain, we are proud to celebrate this milestone, boasting a diverse network of over 3,000 alumni and healthcare professionals from 56 nationalities comprising 459 doctors and 1,321 nurses, which have significantly contributed to strengthening Bahrain’s comprehensive healthcare system.”
Economic impact and workforce development
A recent National Economic Contribution Report by PwC Ireland estimated RCSI Bahrain’s annual contribution to the national economy at USD 91 million. This figure encompasses the university’s operations, facilities, equipment, student expenditures, and the economic impact of visiting friends and relatives of international students.
The upcoming construction and outfitting of the new academic building is projected to inject an additional US$102 million into the economy over a four-year period. Moreover, RCSI Bahrain’s activities directly and indirectly support 437 jobs in the community.
RCSI Bahrain plays a crucial role in Bahrain’s socio-economic development by initiating programmes to enhance the skills of the local healthcare workforce. The university employs 227 full-time staff members, with 50% being Bahraini nationals who benefit from extensive continuous professional development programmes.
Alignment with Bahrain’s healthcare vision
The expansion project aligns with Bahrain’s vision to establish itself as a leading regional hub for healthcare and education. Munther Almudawi, Executive Director of Business Development for Healthcare, Education, and Tourism at Bahrain EDB, commented on the project’s significance: “We take pride in RCSI Bahrain’s 20 years of milestone successes on the island and look forward to witnessing the development of its sustainably-led campus expansion project, which will add value to the diversity of Bahrain’s highly-developed education and healthcare ecosystems and aims to provide service quality on par with the global playing field.”
