Bahrain needs the help of private investors to develop its healthcare sector and make the kingdom into a centre for medical tourism, recently appointed Health Minister Dr Khalil Hassan told a Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry seminar on 5 January. He also reiterated his support for mandatory health insurance, saying that it would drive up standards by making people seek 'the best services and facilities' (MEED 30:11:02). He urged locals to invest in the proposed complex for medical tourism, on the grounds that the ministry could not shoulder the burden alone. 'Bahrain attracts a lot of tourism from the region and what could be better than people coming in for medical purposes, with a schedule,' he said. A proposal is already on the table to establish a 'medical island' with hospitals, spas and health clubs.