SMC did not reject pregnant girl: Ministry

Manama : The Health Ministry has dismissed reports by the local media claiming that a pregnant eleven-year-old was denied entry at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC).

 “What has been reported yesterday regarding rejecting a pregnant eleven-year-old by SMC or any institution working under the Ministry’s umbrella is not correct,” it confirmed in a press statement.

“As soon as the reports were released, the concerned authorities were contacted to verify with all emergency and maternity departments of the Ministry. No such records were found,” the ministry said in its statement

The Ministry also added that any similar matter would be immediately reported to the concerned committees
working in the fields of child abuse and social research.

“The Ministry has never rejected any medical cases that require immediate attention. Our doors are constantly open and we
provide high quality medical services to all citizens and residents of Bahrain,” the statement mentioned.

False reporting

The Ministry also stressed on the importance of seeking accurate information from the right sources.

It mentioned in its statement that a local daily (not DT News) had published the alleged girl’s story and misquoted a senior State official.

“The Ministry’s Public and International Relations Directorate contacted the publication to verify the information published. The journal informed that it received the information from an anonymous caller, who didn’t provide any further information,” the ministry’s statement clarified.

DT News reported yesterday that a spokesperson from the Ministry did not confirm or comment on the case of the girl, who was allegedly “a Syrian national, accompanied by two adults,” as informed by a source. This information was also not verified by Interior Ministry when queried.

Meanwhile, another English daily (not DT News) and an Arabic newspaper yesterday quoted National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) CEO Dr. Mariam Al Jalahma confirming the incident, stating that “the matter has been referred to the Ministry’s Child Protection Committee”.

“Dr. Al Jalahma denied giving any statements, and stated that the matter doesn’t come within the competence and responsibilities of NHRA,” the Ministry mentioned.

The statement also called for “not distracting the public and questioning the quality of the Ministry’s healthcare services by
publishing wrong information,” adding that it’s ready to cooperate with the media in “full transparency” in order to announce the correct information.  

The Ministry’s statement also mentioned that the matter is under investigation.