Lawmakers propose addiction clinic in Capital Governorate

TDT | Manama

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MPs have put forward a proposal for a specialised addiction clinic in the Capital Governorate, saying it would treat drug users and provide health care with psychological and social support to aid recovery and reintegration.

The Health Ministry says current services meet demand and a national centre is under study.

The proposal seeks to strengthen Bahrain’s response to addiction by creating dedicated treatment sites able to handle cases, step in early and offer suitable rehabilitation, with the aim of protecting the individual, the family and the wider community.

Sponsors say such a clinic would run programmes that address medical, psychological and social needs.

Reply

In its reply, the Ministry of Health pointed to the Al Moayed Unit at the Psychiatric Hospital, established in 1987.

The unit provides treatment and rehabilitation through a mixed team of consultants, doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists and therapists.

It runs outpatient clinics four days a week, with one day for women, and has a detox ward with 15 beds and a rehabilitation ward with 13 beds. Activity figures show 980 outpatient visits in the first half of 2023, including 17 by women.

Data

In 2022, 108 patients were admitted, with bed occupancy of about 50 per cent. There are no waiting lists, with new patients seen within a week.

The ministry said the subject of the proposal is already covered by the Al Moayed Unit, which meets current treatment needs.

It also said the National Committee for Combating Drugs is studying plans for an advanced national centre for addiction treatment and rehabilitation to match population growth and strengthen prevention and care.