A dedicated emergency section for sickle cell anaemia patients could be set up at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC).
The proposal, put forward by Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen, aims to reduce waiting times, deliver timely treatment and prevent the worsening of symptoms and health complications for patients suffering from the blood disorder.
The section would feature qualified medical professionals and consultants specifically trained to treat such cases.
The Health Ministry said the Government Hospitals is committed to providing the best care for sickle cell patients, making it a priority in their strategic and national health plans.
“The recent expansion and modernisation of SMC’s emergency department has led to the implementation of an internationally recognised triage system,” said Government Hospitals chief executive Dr Mariam Al Jalahma.
“This system classifies patients based on the urgency of their condition, ensuring those suffering from sickle cell disease receive appropriate and timely care,” she added.
“Patients are categorised into various stages, including emergency, urgent, chronic, or non-urgent, with treatment provided accordingly.”
Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that results from mutations in the gene holding the information to produce the beta-chain of haemoglobin (the molecule in our body that carries oxygen through the body); it affects more than 8,500 people in Bahrain.
The disease leaves patients prone to a number of acute and chronic health problems such as infection, attacks of severe pain known as ‘sickle-cell crisis’ and stroke.
The Bahrain Society for Sickle Cell Disease Patient Care welcomed the proposal and stressed that Bahrain is a regional leader in sickle cell anemia care, with many countries looking to learn from the kingdom’s experience.
It highlighted several achievements including the Genetic Blood Diseases Centre dedicated to sickle cell disease treatment and specialised clinics to address patients’ unique medical needs.
The society, however, pointed out the importance of further expanding the medical team, particularly in emergency services, to provide comprehensive care for SCD patients.
“Bahrain has achieved great success in managing sickle cell anemia through dedicated centres, clinics, and partnerships with the government,” the society told Parliament’s services committee in writing.
“However, more needs to be done, especially in addressing the unique needs of female patients and expanding emergency services,” it added.
Dr Al Dhaen said the initiative aims to build on Bahrain’s achievements in healthcare by addressing specific gaps and ensuring that patients with chronic conditions receive the care they deserve.
“It is about fulfilling our constitutional duty and demonstrating our compassion for those in need,” she added.
MPs are also expected to review the following proposals on Tuesday:
1. Establishing an autism centre in Zallaq: The Social Development Ministry said there were 53 rehabilitation centres specialised in providing services across the kingdom. These include 17 community centres, 30 private centres, and six government centres.
The government has supported most of the rehabilitation centers for persons with disabilities with an annual budget of BD1.2 million, it added.
Maintenance works at the Comprehensive Disability Complex is nearing completion. It aims to provide care and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities from all governorates, covering all ages and both genders.
2. Introducing new promotion and payment system for Bahrainis following the increase of the retirement ages up to 60, with an optional five years until the age of 65. It has been proposed by five MPs led by foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman MP Hassan Ibrahim. The Civil Service Commission has asked for time to conduct a thorough feasibility study on the proposal.
3. Setting up a talented students care centre in the Southern Governorate.
4. Enforcing the Bahraini sea captains rule.
5. Developing Kuwara village off Tubli.
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