*** ----> ‘Sickler’ patients to get better care, follow-ups | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

‘Sickler’ patients to get better care, follow-ups

Minister of Health Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh reaffirmed the continuity of the ministry’s plans and programmes to achieve best quality healthcare to sickle-cell anaemia “sickler” patients.

The ministry boosted its efforts to ensure quality services provided to the patients with constant follow up by all ministry officials and integrated multi-disciplinary teams to alleviate the suffering of these patients and fulfil all their needs and requirements in line with the directives of the Kingdom’s leadership.

She said the ministry has adopted latest and most advanced techniques in the care and treatment of sickler patients, according to the recommendations and outcome of “hereditary blood disorders” research studies. She asserted the ministry’s keenness on following up its work according to the recommendations of specialised experts’ delegation who recently visited the Kingdom from John Hopkins hospital, who reviewed the ministry’s services provided to sickler patients.

She said the work continues as per the said recommendations in harmony with the ministry’s efforts in terms of development plans, programmes through the creation of multi-disciplinary clinics with participation of doctors and consultants to examine the suffering of sickler patients in addition to development of work regimen in the Hereditary Blood Disorders Centre established Under the patronage of Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa in 2014, which reflects the extent of government keenness on the provision of optimum and integrated comprehensive care to sickle-cell anaemia patients.

The minister said the evaluation of services provided to sickler patients has been subject to continuous scrutiny to develop the service in the upcoming phases and to review medical plans followed for sickler patients to achieve maximum effective results and to alleviate the suffering of patients. Studies proved the efficacy of hydroxyurea medication in reducing the number of bouts of pain. Therefore, its was recommended to increase the number of patients who are treated with this medication. 

The ministry conducted an awareness campaign through workshops and lectures on the positive impact of this medication for sickler patients.

The minister said the ministry affirms its huge concern with sickle cell anaemia patients who are considered on the top of its priorities. The ministry strives to develop prevention, diagnosis, medication and rehabilitation means. The ministry will receive all remarks from patients, parents and families, including remarks about meals, place, policies.

She concluded saying the ministry would study and discuss such remarks to reach decisions and policies which would contribute in the interest of patients and optimally upgrade the quality health services provided to them.