The opening of a specialised sickle cell treatment unit at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) has significantly improved care for patients in Bahrain, cutting waiting times and streamlining services for those suffering from the genetic blood disorder.
The facility at the Hereditary Blood Disorders Centre has helped ease pressure on existing services while providing faster and more efficient treatment, Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain said.
He revealed the details in a written response to a proposal from MPs to establish a comprehensive health facility dedicated to female sickle cell patients.
Mr Al Buainain further highlighted that Bahrain recently approved the use of gene therapy known as CASGEVY, making the kingdom the first country in the region and the second globally to permit the use of this cutting‑edge treatment.
“The government remains committed to strengthening prevention, treatment and healthcare services for citizens, particularly those suffering from sickle cell disease,” the minister said.
“As part of wider healthcare improvements, a dedicated sickle cell patient unit was established at SMC following a review of existing facilities.”
The government commissioned a specialised engineering consultancy to conduct a study aimed at making optimal use of existing hospital buildings. It resulted in the creation of a short-stay sickle cell unit with a capacity of 12 beds, along with a waiting area and treatment room. The unit officially opened on February 20, 2024.
According to the minister, the initiative has already had a significant impact on patient care.
“The new unit has contributed to a noticeable reduction in waiting times for sickle cell patients in the Emergency Department,” he said.
Registration and triage procedures now take around five minutes, compared with about 30 minutes previously, while the waiting time between patient assessment and examination by an emergency physician has dropped to around 15 minutes, down from one hour.
Sickle cell sufferers have abnormally shaped forms of haemoglobin
“These improvements have received positive feedback from sickle cell patients, and no complaints have been recorded regarding the services provided by the unit,” Mr Al Buainain added.
The minister said the government continued to prioritise treatment for sickle cell patients under the Strategic Plan for Government Hospitals 2023-2026 and the National Health Plan 2016-2025.
Efforts are also underway to enhance co-ordination between government hospitals and primary healthcare centres. This includes providing treatment for emergency and chronic cases at health centres and standardising treatment guidelines to reduce the need for hospital admissions.
“We continue efforts to facilitate access to and development of medical services across health centres and government hospitals, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency,” he noted.
While acknowledging the parliamentary proposal to establish a comprehensive building dedicated to female sickle cell patients, the government indicated that the recently established unit at SMC already addresses many of the needs raised.
Sickle cell disease is among the most common inherited blood disorders in Bahrain and the wider region, making ongoing investment in specialised treatment facilities a key healthcare priority.
In another reply, the minister said the government supports increasing Bahrainisation in the nursing profession while maintaining healthcare quality.
Mr Al Buainain said qualified Bahraini professionals remain the first choice for employment in government health institutions, including SMC and primary healthcare centres.
He noted that several Bahraini nurses have already replaced expatriate staff in government hospitals, while the nursing profession in primary healthcare centres has achieved a high level of Bahrainisation.
Mr Al Buainain added that recruitment continues in line with the Health Insurance Law, ensuring sustainable, high-quality healthcare services while prioritising citizens for employment.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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