Manama, June 18 (BNA): The Kingdom attaches great importance to providing high-quality health services and spreading health awareness.
This has made Bahrain at the forefront of countries that have made great achievements in the field of sustainable development, and attaches utmost importance to the health and safety of all, as well as achieving universal health coverage for the entire population.
The health sector in Bahrain enjoys the endless care of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the unwavering support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
During the celebration of the World Sickle Anemia Day, which is celebrated all over the world on June 19, the government of Bahrain is proud of its great achievements and outstanding projects that have contributed to providing a package of comprehensive services to patients with sickle cell anemia, and made great progress in controlling sickle cell disease. . disease through a comprehensive national plan based on providing advanced health infrastructure and the best services for this category of patients.
The government’s interest in providing healthcare for sickle cell patients began in 1984, when the government adopted a national plan to combat sickle cell anemia. Since then, the government has implemented as many as 182 projects aimed at reducing the spread of sickle cell disease and providing adequate health care and treatment to patients.
In 1984, the first genetic clinic was established at Salmaniya Medical Complex, and the program to combat genetic diseases was launched.
In 1993, the premarital counseling service was part of a campaign to reduce the spread of disease. The campaign aimed to build a database to count the number of infected births through the newborn screening program as well as the student screening program.
In 2012, the Chronic Pain Management Clinic was established, and in 2013, an online platform was created to enhance communication between the relevant medical team and patients.
In 2014, the Center for Genetic Blood Disorders was opened, the first integrated center for the treatment of sickle cell patients. The Kingdom has also developed an experience exchange program with renowned international experts from Kings College in the UK and Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA. In addition, a Visiting Physician Program has been launched to attract medical expertise.
The blood transfusion services have also been developed by providing the latest equipment to reduce potential medical complications, resulting in an improvement of blood transfusion by 300% compared to the previous system.
In 2018, a comprehensive multidisciplinary clinic was established to provide healthcare in a more advanced way. In addition, a telemedicine system has been introduced to save effort and reduce waiting time.
Dozens of workshops and lectures were organized for the medical and nursing staff.
Regarding medicines used to treat patients, hydroxyurea has been used in Bahrain since 1997. 65% of patients take hydroxyurea.
In 2021, in line with the directives of His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Health began introducing Crizanlizumab, a revolutionary, life-changing drug treatment for patients with sickle cell disease. The Kingdom is the second country to use this innovative drug after the United States of America. 50 patients are currently taking it in Bahrain.
As a result of the Kingdom’s unremitting efforts and thanks to His Majesty’s directives, the percentage of births with sickle cell anemia decreased to 0.2 annually, and the death rate from sickle cell disease decreased to 43%. In addition, the Kingdom achieved a 35% improvement in the treatment of chronic diseases as a result of the use of tablets.
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