A pioneering new centre to help sufferers of a chronic disease of the central nervous system has been officially unveiled in Bahrain.
Supreme Council for Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, inaugurated the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Centre in Muharraq yesterday, accompanied by NBB’s chairperson Hala Yateem.
MS is a condition that happens when the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. While what causes it is still unknown, scientists believe that it may be a combination of genetic, immunologic and environmental factors.
“The NBB Multiple Sclerosis Centre is a landmark achievement that will substantially improve the lives of patients in Bahrain,” said Ms Yateem.
“We’re honoured to be a part of this collaborative effort spearheaded by the kingdom’s visionary leadership and made possible through the dedication of numerous organisations.
“We are confident that the centre will play a vital role in advancing healthcare in the kingdom and fostering innovation and research in this critical field.”
The complex includes seven outpatient clinics, an MRI diagnostic department, a physiotherapy department that provides manual exercise therapy, special and general treatment rooms, a laboratory and pharmacy, a scientific research centre, a lecture hall, medical warehouses, a service building, administrative offices and parking spaces.
While there is no cure for MS, treatment can reduce symptoms, prevent further relapses and improve quality of life. Symptoms of MS vary from person to person and depend on the location and severity of nerve fibre damage. These often include vision problems, tiredness, trouble walking and keeping balance, and numbness or weakness in the arms and legs.
There are believed to be around 300 people with MS in the kingdom and the average age regionally is between 25 and 30. Many people with MS may live for 25 to 35 years or longer after their diagnosis. Globally, there are an estimated 1.8 million sufferers.
In attendance at the opening were Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed, Governmental Hospital board of trustees chairman Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, NBB’s board of directors and executive management team, in addition to a number of officials and representatives from the relevant authorities.
Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed praised the full support and attention that the kingdom’s public healthcare sector receives from His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed emphasised that this achievement stands as a testament to the civil and developmental objectives of the National Health Plan (2015-2026).
He pointed out that the NBB Multiple Sclerosis Centre was a prime example of a ‘successful partnership between the public and private sectors’ and reflected a commitment to social responsibility through the implementation of various projects aimed at benefiting the public.
In this regard, the official expressed his appreciation for the ‘generous support provided by NBB’ to finance the centre’s construction and high tech equipment.
Shaikh Hisham also praised the opening of the NBB MS Centre and commended the role of the Works Ministry in supporting the efforts of Government Hospitals in implementing its strategic initiatives.
He noted that the ministry had designed the centre to the highest engineering standards.
Speaking on this partnership, NBB Group chief executive Usman Ahmed added: “We’re proud to partner with the Supreme Council for Health on this milestone initiative.
“The NBB Multiple Sclerosis Centre represents a significant leap forward for MS care in Bahrain. By providing advanced diagnostics, treatments and rehabilitation, the centre will play a crucial role in providing essential support to MS patients.
“This aligns perfectly with our core values of social responsibility and signifies our focus on initiatives that empower individuals and communities to thrive.”
In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
Early symptoms can include vision problems, trouble walking and tingling feelings. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerve fibres.
Some people may be only mildly affected. Others may lose the ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk.
There are treatments to help speed the recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.
jayne@gdnmedia.bh
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