A proposal to allocate land for an integrated sports health centre for diabetes patients in the Southern Governorate has been unanimously approved by the Southern Municipal Council.
Council vice-chairman Abdulla Bubshait, who is himself suffering from the disease and spearheaded the initiative, stressed the urgent need for such specialised facilities in Bahrain.
“As a diabetic, I understand first-hand the daily challenges that come with this chronic condition,” he said at the council’s final meeting of the term on Wednesday.
“In Bahrain, nearly 15 per cent of adults are living with diabetes, and the Southern Governorate alone is home to tens of thousands of citizens who need continuous, specialised care.
“This project is not just about treatment, it’s about prevention, education and creating a healthy lifestyle environment for patients and their families.”
The proposed centre will provide a wide array of services designed to help diabetic patients lead healthier lives and reduce complications associated with the disease. These will include:
* A specialised diabetes clinic for periodic check-ups and follow-up care by endocrinologists and specialist doctors.
* Health education programmes offering lectures, workshops and personalised consultations.
* A private gymnasium tailored for diabetic patients, with supervised fitness programmes designed by trainers experienced in dealing with chronic conditions.
* A comprehensive nutrition department, including professional dieticians, an educational kitchen for cooking healthy meals, and group sessions where patients can share experiences.
* Social support facilities aimed at fostering a supportive and motivating community for patients and their families.
(L) to (R) Mr Bubshait and Mr Abdullatif
“Globally and regionally, we are witnessing a worrying increase in diabetes rates, especially Type 2 diabetes due to sedentary lifestyles and dietary habits,” said Mr Bubshait.
“By integrating sports, nutrition and medical care, this centre will represent an investment in prevention, not just treatment. We are not only reducing future healthcare costs but also improving lives.
“This is not only a personal cause but a national responsibility.”
Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif praised the initiative.
“This proposal fully aligns with our strategy of addressing community concerns and improving public services,” he said.
“The Southern Governorate deserves advanced facilities that serve real, everyday needs.
“Diabetes has touched nearly every Bahraini family in one way or another. This centre will be a pioneering step toward changing that reality.”
He believes that, if implemented, the facility could serve as a national model for community-based healthcare initiatives, providing a blueprint for similar projects across the kingdom.
“Bahrain is amongst the top 20 countries in diabetes prevalence (per capita) and there are rising trends linked to lifestyle diseases and dietary patterns,” added Mr Abdullatif.
“Our initiative reflects a broader commitment by Bahraini institutions to address long-term health challenges through community-driven solutions.”
The proposal has been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to forward to Health Minister Jalila Al Sayyed for review.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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