Bahrain's COVID pandemic tackling highlighted in DERASAT, UNDP study

Manama, Feb. 20 (BNA): The government's support during the coronavirus pandemic and the measures it took had a great impact on continuing the provision of high-quality care in dental clinics in a way that distinguished Bahrain's experience, a study has concluded. The study, prepared by the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), involved several dentists. The dental sector in the Kingdom was well prepared to deal with the pandemic and to confront challenges and took measures based on the world's highest standards, the study said. Adopting remote check-ups and reducing the number of patients waiting in clinics have contributed to improving communication with dentists, it said. "This study is part of Derasat's commitment to educating the community about the repercussions of the pandemic challenges on various social and economic levels, and to access objective data and analyzes that limit the nature, extent and repercussions of the impact," Derasat Executive Director Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Al Abdullah said. Acting Head of UNDP Office in Bahrain Aikan Mukanbetova said the project was being implemented in more than 100 countries to assess and analyze the economic and social impact of the pandemic. It also seeks to prepare reports and studies covering country responses and actions and use them to draft future policies regarding the challenges.