Manama, The Kingdom attaches great importance to providing quality health services and promoting health awareness.
This has entitled Bahrain to be at the forefront of countries that have made great achievements in terms of sustainable development, and attach utmost importance to the health and safety of all, as well achieve comprehensive health coverage for the entire population.
The health sector in Bahrain enjoys the unlimited great care of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the unwavering support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
While celebrating the World Sickle Cell Day, observed worldwide on June 19, the Government of Bahrain is proud of its great achievements and distinguished projects that have contributed to providing a package of comprehensive services to patients with sickle cell disease, and made great progress in controlling the disease through an extensive national plan based on providing advanced health infrastructure and the best services for this category of patients.
The government’s interest in providing health care for sickle cell patients began as early as 1984, when the government adopted a national plan to combat sickle cell anemia. Since then, the government implemented as many as 182 projects aimed at limiting the spread of sickle cell disease and providing adequate healthcare and treatment for patients.
In 1984, the first genetic clinic was established Unit at Salmaniya Medical Complex, and a hereditary disease control programme was launched.
In 1993, a premarital counseling service, within a campaign to reduce the spread of the disease. The campaign aimed to build a database to count the number of infected births through the newborn screening programme as well as the student screening programme.
In 2012, the Chronic Pain Management clinic was established, and in 2013, an electronic platform was set up to enhance communication between the relevant medical team and patients.
In 2014, the Hereditary Blood Disorder Centre, the first integrated centre for the treatment of sickle cell patients, was inaugurated. The kingdom also developed a programme to exchange expertise with renowned international experts from UK-based King’s College and the John Hopkins Hospital in the USA. In addition, the Visiting Physician Programme was launched to attract medical expertise.
Blood transfusion services have also been developed through the provision of the most up-to-date equipment to reduce potential medical complications, resulting in 300% improvement in the blood transfusion compared to the previous system.
In 2018, a comprehensive multidisciplinary clinic was established to provide health care in more advanced way. In addition, a telemedicine system was introduced to save effort and reduce waiting time.
Moreover, tens of workshops and lectures have been organised the medical and nursing staff.
Regarding medicines used to treat patients, Hydroxyurea has been used in Bahrain since 1997. 65% of patients are taking Hydroxyurea.
In 2021, and in line with the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Ministry of Health has started providing Crizanlizumab, a revolutionary life-changing drug treatment for patients suffering from sickle cell disease. The kingdom is the second country to use this breakthrough drug after the USA. 50 patients are currently taking it in Bahrain.
As a result of the kingdom’s strenuous efforts and thanks to the directives of HM the King, the percentage of newborns with sickle cell has gone down to 0.2 annually, and the percentage of sickle cell disease deaths has dropped to 43%. In addition, the kingdom has achieved a 35% improvement in the treatment of chronic diseases as a result of the use of tablets.
Source: Bahrain News Agency