ABSTRACT
The first national health plan for the state of Bahrain was developed in the year 1968 with the help of the world health organization[1]. Consequently, the government of Bahrain has embarked on an intensive training program by sending Bahraini nationals abroad. The rapid economic and social developments during the late 1970's and 1980's was coupled with high demand by the population for advanced medical and hospital in patient care. As the number of physicians and dentists increased, a question has surfaced: "how many physicians do we need = "[2]. Oversupply and diminishing opportunity for doctors who are still in training has become a major concern to policy makers. The objective of this study is to analyze the changes in the number of physicians between 1987 to 1990 as compared to population change during the same period. Demographic comparison with regard to the place of work are also analyzed. This analysis may assist decision-makers in their search for the answer to the previously stated question