Doctors who stood on the frontlines to save lives and advance women’s healthcare in Bahrain were honoured at a leading conference yesterday.
The two-day Bahrain International Women’s Health Conference and Exhibition brought together more than 35 speakers who delivered over 40 lectures and scientific presentations under the theme ‘Her Journey, Our Mission’.
Organised by the Bahrain Medical Society, in collaboration with BDA Conferences and Exhibitions, the event staged at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s Gulf Convention Centre explored a range of topics, including social media, body image, orthorexia nervosa, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and metabolic disorders, as well as postnatal care.
Among those recognised was Dr Khalil Rajab, Bahrain’s first obstetrician and gynaecologist, whose pioneering career has left a lasting mark on the country’s healthcare sector.
His contribution to medicine spans more than three decades, including many years serving patients at Salmaniya Medical Complex.
Born in 1941, Dr Rajab earned several prestigious professional qualifications throughout his career, including a Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians in 1972. He later became a founding member of the College of Family and Positive Health in England.
Beyond his clinical career, Dr Rajab authored A History of Health Services in Bahrain, documenting the evolution of the kingdom’s healthcare system from the 19th century to 1995.
“Being in this profession is tough and you are essentially working constantly 24/7,” he said during the ceremony. “However, it is always a proud moment to help relieve people’s pain and bring them comfort.
“This ceremony is a very kind gesture and makes me reflect on my medical journey, during which I have learned so much from everyone.”
Also honoured was distinguished consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr A K Sandhu, whose medical career spans more than 55 years, including over 38 years in Bahrain.
After completing her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in India, Dr Sandhu moved to the UK to pursue fellowship training and specialise in oncology.
She joined Salmaniya Medical Complex as a senior specialist in 1984 and has also taught at the Arabian Gulf University from that time, mentoring generations of medical students, many of whom now hold senior positions in Bahrain and abroad.
“This profession is something very special, and it is incredibly rewarding to see parents meet their babies,” she said. “Years later, some even come up to me and say I delivered them!
“That brings me immense joy, and I feel deeply honoured to receive this recognition.”
Bahrain Medical Society president Dr Amer Al Derazi described women’s health as the foundation of family well-being, social stability and community prosperity, saying advances in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and health education directly improve the lives of women, their families and future generations.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))