A first of its kind specialised clinic designed to support sickle cell disease (SCD) patients as they transition from paediatric to adult care has been launched by Government Hospitals in Bahrain, aiming to ease one of the most critical stages in a patient’s healthcare journey.
The joint clinic at Salmaniya Medical Complex will cater to patients aged 14 to 20, providing a structured and supportive pathway as they move unto adult healthcare services – a transition experts say can often be overwhelming.
SCD is a genetic condition that causes red blood cells to become rigid and C-shaped, restricting blood flow throughout the body.
Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person depending on genetic factors, environmental conditions and stress tolerance.
Bahrain Sickle Cell Society chairman Zakariya Al Kadhem told the GDN that the clinic was created to make this critical phase less stressful for both patients and their families.
“As they grow older, patients are introduced to an entirely new healthcare system, with new doctors and medical teams, which can feel daunting after years of building trust with their current caregivers,” he said.
“Their condition already places a great deal of stress on them, so making this transition smoother is essential. It allows them to become familiar with their new doctors and environment while easing anxiety for both them and their families.”
Mr Al Kadhem added that the transition also marks an important shift in responsibility, as young patients begin making more of their own medical decisions instead of relying solely on their parents.
“This is an important stage where patients start taking ownership of their healthcare journey, and that process needs to be explained and supported carefully,” he said, adding that Bahrain’s advanced SCD care system places strong emphasis on minimising stress, which can significantly affect patients’ health.
Medical experts say SCD is not only a physical condition, but one deeply influenced by emotional and psychological stress. It can trigger inflammation and blood vessel constriction, increasing the risk of vaso-occlusive crises – painful episodes caused by blocked blood flow.
In a video shared on the Government Hospitals Instagram account, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Consultant Dr Amira Al Araibi highlighted that the new clinic will support the development of modern treatment strategies, ensuring patients have access to the latest therapies and improved health outcomes.
In the same video, Government Hospitals Hereditary Blood Disorders Centre head Dr Fatima Malallah emphasised that building trust with patients is a key part of the transition into adult care.
“During the first visit, we review the patient’s medical history, previous complications and current treatment plan, then adapt the care approach according to their stage of life,” she said.
She added that the success of the transitional clinic relies on close co-operation between paediatric specialists, adult care teams, patients and their families to ensure continuous care and greater stability.
The launch follows another major milestone in Bahrain’s SCD care system – the recent introduction of a national registry for sickle cell patients aimed at improving healthcare services and strengthening medical research.
Developed through a partnership between Government Hospitals, the Bahrain Sickle Cell Society and several government entities, the registry will collect vital patient data to support more effective treatment plans, improve healthcare outcomes and contribute to scientific studies and publications.
The initiative is also expected to further improve life expectancy for SCD patients in Bahrain, which has risen to 68 years from 42 in 2014 – significantly higher than in several other countries, including 54 in the US, 32 in Brazil and less than 40 in India.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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