THE impact of anxiety on women’s physical health, the rise in Caesarean sections (C-sections) and the most common obstetrics and gynaecology malpractices were among the key topics discussed at a major conference in Bahrain yesterday.
The third edition of the two-day Bahrain International Women’s Health Conference and Exhibition, organised by BDA and the Bahrain Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association and Bahrain Medical Society, opened yesterday at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa, Manama.
More than 40 local and international doctors and top medical professions held a range of sessions that shed light on a number of important women’s health topics including management of epilepsy during pre-contraception, pregnancy and post-partum periods, autoimmune disorders management in pregnancy and the cosmetic and aesthetic gynaecology.
During the opening ceremony, conference chairperson and Bahrain Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association president Dr Nouf Behzad highlighted that empowering women led to healthier and stronger communities.
“Women’s empowerment is about giving them the tools and information to take charge of their health at every stage of life,” she said.
“Whether through education, care or support, we believe that empowered women live healthier and happier lives, resulting in stronger communities and more resilient healthcare systems.
“This year’s programme has been designed to reflect the complexity and richness of women’s health and we have added a new public forum to this year’s event open to the community where women can speak directly to the experts, ask questions and share their experiences.
“We are truly proud to welcome this distinguished group of local and international speakers to guide us through this exciting journey of learning.”
Meanwhile, senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Jamal Saleh told the GDN on the sidelines of the event that public and private hospitals should operate under the same standards to reduce errors and malpractice.
“All hospitals need to be operating under the same standard,” he said, adding that the problem arose when one hospital had a high level while another did not.
“We have to be consistent. We have to ensure that all medical professionals are documenting their cases properly and explaining and communicating issues with the patent in an effective manner to avoid complaints and errors.”
According to 2023 figures, the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) received 210 complaints, with 32 against obstetrics and gynaecologists.
“Most of these cases were ruled out as there was no malpractice, but with more documentation and proper communication strategies, the numbers of complaints could decrease.”
Some of the topics that were discussed on the conference’s first day include legal frameworks for gynaecologist and obstetricians: protecting against medical errors, mitigation of common OBGYN medical malpractices, C-sections in focus, why are the numbers increasing, the cervix, from erosion to dysplasia and the role of anxiety in women’s physical and mental health.
Today’s sessions will discuss recent updates in management of migraines in women, women’s care after 40, challenges in current medical treatment of endometriosis, selecting the most effective and contraception methods and understanding PCOS in adolescence.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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