ABSTRACT
This survey to study the characteristics of doctors [physicians and dentists] in Bahrain was undertaken in 1987 to identify deficiencies with respect to specialities and to serve as a guideline for the Ministry of Health in its training efforts to cover these deficiencies. Forms were sent to all the doctors in Bahrain to complete and return. The information requested included: full name, sex, date of birth, place of work and speciality. The total number of physicians and dentists was found to be 620, of which 203 [32.7%] were females and 417 [67.3%] males. The doctor-to-population ratio for 1987 is 1:671. The number of Bahraini doctors was 299 [48.2%]. The distribution according to speciality and place of work is described. Medical specialities where Bahraini doctors account for less than 50% are: accident and emergency [19.2%], anaesthesia [19.2%], radiology [27.3%], obstetrics and gynaecology [28.0%] and psychiatry [33.3%]. There is a need for long-term medical manpower training to cover the present deficiencies and to develop a rational plan based on supply and demand projections