MPs approve special emergency pathway plan for sickle cell patients at SMC
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Calling it a major step for patient care, Parliament yesterday gave the green light to Dr Maryam Al Dhaen’s plan for a special emergency pathway and medical team dedicated to sickle cell patients at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC).
The move aims to cut back wait times for people who often face sudden flare-ups.
The Services Committee threw its full support behind this proposal, which sets out a separate wing in the emergency department, staffed by consultants and trained health workers.
Dr Al Dhaen underlined that people with sickle cell need quick action, as they can be hit by severe bouts of pain without warning.
Approximately 2% of Bahraini newborns are affected by sickle cell disease (SCD), with around 18% of the population carrying the trait, while the total number of SCD patients in Bahrain was about 8,664 in 2016.
Intense attacks
“Sickle cell patients can be struck by intense attacks at any moment. The sooner they get the right care, the better their chances,” she said.
She noted that her plan is rooted in Article 8 of Bahrain’s Constitution, which grants every citizen the right to healthcare.
She stressed that delaying treatment can worsen suffering and lead to further problems.
Pain “We want to ease their pain and improve how they pull through in the long run,” she said.
Dr Al Dhaen called on the Ministry of Health to support the plan.
“We need the Ministry’s backing to make sure these patients get the help they need as soon as possible,” she said.
Genetic tests
She also spoke about stopping the spread of hereditary disorders, pushing for more accurate genetic tests.
“Genetic checks go beyond the usual premarital screening. They give us a clearer picture, so we can spot carriers and keep these conditions in check,” she said.
Pointing to the limits of the commonly used HPLC test, Dr Al Dhaen said some people had been wrongly told they carried risky genes, only for further tests to show otherwise.
Greater precision
“That’s why we need greater precision,” she said.
Dr Al Dhaen urged the use of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) so couples can choose embryos without these inherited illnesses.
“This route gives people a shot at making better choices and protects the health of future generations,” she said.
Public funds
She warned that these disorders weigh heavily on public funds.
“We spend a lot each year on sickle cell, beta-thalassaemia and other inherited diseases. By adopting stronger screening, we can take some pressure off the budget,” she said.
For families who already have a child with one of these illnesses, Dr Al Dhaen suggested genetic tests and HLA-typing to find healthy embryos that might later help provide stem cell or bone marrow transplants.
New hope “It can bring new hope to parents doing it tough,” she said. Wrapping up, Dr Al Dhaen said both preventive and medical measures will help people stay healthier while easing the load on government spending. “Putting these ideas into action will take care of our community and keep costs down in the long run,” she said.
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