Primary health care is the cornerstone of health services in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is the first point of contact for individuals in their quest for healthcare. It includes many services that allow individuals to enjoy and sustain a healthy existence. These include the promotion of healthy behaviors and early detection of diseases, diagnosis and treatment, as well as rehabilitation services.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has adopted the Universal Declaration of Alma-Ata in 1978 and the Astana Declaration 2018, to achieve universal health coverage. These global documents indicate that primary health care is the key to achieving health for all through a global strategy. They also confirm the need to achieve a level of health for all in order to generate and sustain a productive society. This necessity has been engraved in the constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which stipulates that:

• Every citizen has the right to health care, the State is concerned with public health, and the means of prevention and treatment are ensured by the establishment of various types of hospitals and health institutions.
• Individuals and the Authorities may establish hospitals, clinics under the supervision of the State, in accordance with the law.

To achieve this goal, the Ministry of Health has endeavored to work through partnerships with various stakeholders to improve the health of the population in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This is to ensure the availability of high quality health services and meet the needs of individuals and the society during the different stages of life.

Primary health care in the Kingdom of Bahrain is based on many components, including the network of health centers around the country, the application of family medical services through qualified family physicians, community health nurses, health promotion specialists and social workers, as well as providing inclusive curative and preventive services.

In all primary health centers, the nursing department effectively runs and participates in different committees including the Health Promotion and Infection Control committees, to ensure the best levels of care for patients and the working team.

Preventive services include maternal and child health, such as antenatal services, periodic child screening, immunization, post-natal or abortion services, family planning services, periodic women's screening services, pre-marital services, and ultrasound screening for pregnant women. These services also include oral and dental health services such as the dental program, fluoride application, educational activities, dental services for mother and child, and care for diabetics, senior citizens, and clients with special needs.