Bahrain Mourns Dr. Faisal Jaafar Al-Mahrous, Pioneer of Preventive Medicine, Diabetes Care

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Manama: Bahrain’s medical and academic community is mourning the passing of Dr. Faisal Jaafar Al-Mahrous, one of the Kingdom’s foremost pioneers in medicine and preventive healthcare, whose career was marked by lasting medical, scientific and humanitarian contributions.

Dr. Al-Mahrous is widely regarded as the first Bahraini physician to establish specialised diabetes clinics within government health centres. His work played a key role in advancing preventive medicine, early detection of chronic diseases and long-term patient monitoring, helping to reduce complications and improve quality of life for thousands of patients.

Born in the Al-Mukharqa neighbourhood of Manama, Dr. Al-Mahrous was the eldest of six siblings in a Bahraini family. From an early age, he demonstrated academic excellence and a strong interest in medicine, inspired by the late Dr. Ibrahim Yaqoub, who treated him during childhood and later mentored him throughout his medical career.

His academic journey reflected determination and perseverance. He began his medical studies at Assiut University in Egypt before transferring to Al-Azhar University, with the support of the late Prince Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, following exceptional circumstances. During his studies, Dr. Al-Mahrous distinguished himself through academic excellence and advanced training, including research involving human anatomy, underscoring his commitment to mastering complex medical skills.

After graduating, he specialised in family and community medicine and went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. There, he conducted landmark research on diabetes in Bahrain, identifying prevalence rates reaching nearly 30 per cent. His findings contributed significantly to shaping national diabetes prevention and patient follow-up programmes.

Upon returning to Bahrain, Dr. Al-Mahrous translated research into practice by establishing the Kingdom’s first diabetes clinics at health centres, starting in Hoora and Isa Town. The initiative later expanded to six centres, supported by specialised training programmes for doctors and nurses to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Throughout his career, Dr. Al-Mahrous was recognised for his professional integrity, dedication to patients and unwavering belief in preventive medicine as a cornerstone of public health. His efforts left a lasting scientific and humanitarian legacy that continues to influence Bahrain’s healthcare system.

Dr. Faisal Jaafar Al-Mahrous’s passing marks a significant loss to Bahrain’s medical community. He will be remembered as a pioneer whose vision and commitment helped shape a more advanced, patient-centred and prevention-focused healthcare system in the Kingdom.