Forum in Manama Stresses Early Screening for Healthy Child Development

Government hospitals in Bahrain organized a specialized awareness forum on newborn hearing screening at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain. The event brought together consultants, doctors, and healthcare professionals from government hospitals and primary care centers, highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention to ensure quality healthcare for children from birth.

Dr. Mariam Adhbi Al Jalahma, Chief Executive of Government Hospitals, said the forum reflects Bahrain’s strong commitment to promoting preventive healthcare and equipping medical staff with the tools and expertise to enhance services. She added that such initiatives play a key role in protecting future generations and ensuring every newborn has a healthy start in life.

Dr. Al Jalahma also extended her gratitude to all participants and supporters, stressing the importance of continued efforts to raise awareness and strengthen the role of the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department as a cornerstone of integrated healthcare.

Dr. Mariam Khalil Sahwan, Head of the ENT and Jaw Surgery Department at Government Hospitals, explained that the forum served as an important platform to highlight the latest practices and technologies in early hearing screening. She noted that hearing tests have become a vital part of newborn healthcare, as they help children develop natural speech and communication skills. She confirmed that government hospitals are committed to expanding the scope of this essential program.

The forum emphasized that newborn hearing screening is a medical necessity, representing the first step toward early intervention and effective treatment, ensuring healthy language, cognitive, and social development from the earliest months of a child’s life.