State-of-the-art cancer treatment centre to open in Bahrain

Manama, Oct. 8 (BNA): A state-of-the-art integrated cancer treatment centre, the first of its kind in the region, is set to open at the King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) in May, 2017. Covering 38,000 square metres, the multi-million dinar facility will be an accredited destination for cancer treatment, marrow bone transplantation, as well as the treatment of sickle cell anemia and genetic diseases, thus sparing patients the burden of travelling abroad. The vital medical project is a realistic translation of the directives issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, to build a world-standard medical centre that helps with the early detection tests and treatment of cancer among patients in Bahrain. The establishment of such a mega medical centre with cutting edge equipment will help resolve the multiple health, social and psychological problems from which many countries, including Bahrain, suffer. The establishment of the mega oncology centre with cutting edge equipment will contribute to resolving the multiple health, social and psychological problems from which many countries, including Bahrain, suffer. It proves that in Bahrain, unlike other countries, the leadership is keen on ensuring that medical services related to early detection and treatment of cancer are provided in the country in cooperation with prestigious international centres, which entitles the kingdom to be among advanced countries in treating cancer tumors. The building of the facility is also in line with the vision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, on the need to treat cancer patients in the kingdom within their relatives, and spare them the burden of seeking abroad treatment. This, he said, will provide more care for those patients, just like the Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa Specialist Cardiac Centre, which, he said, has become a major destination for medical tourism for Bahrainis and GCC citizens. In this regard, the President of the Supreme Council for Health, Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, attended the signing of medical cooperation agreement with the Erciyes Hospital in Turkey to operate the KHUH’s Oncology Centre. Under the five-year agreement, signed in line with HM the King’s directives to set up a specialised centre to treat cancer patients in Bahrain, the Turkish hospital will provide qualified medical and administrative staff specialised in treating tumors, he said, adding that after the expiry of the agreement, Bahraini competencies will be in charge of the management of the centre. KHUH Commander, Major General Dr Shaikh Salman bin Ateyatallah Al Khalifa, described the medical monument as a noble humanitarian initiative that is supported by the BDF, and aims to deliver adequate care and treatment for cancer patients in Bahrain. He went to say that the centre will initially have 40 beds, and will receive the elderly only, noting that it will contain many sections, including mainly the radiotherapy, chemotherapy, outpatient departments. He added that the centre will diagnose cancer cases, and transfer patients whose situation requires abroad treatment to Erciyes Hospital to receive treatment, in line with the agreement signed between the two sides. This will reduce costs and held train Bahraini medical staff, he said. He added that the agreement is also related to the transplantation of bone marrow, which will benefit cancer, as well as sickle cell anemia and other genetic blood diseases. He pointed out that about 5,000 persons suffer from the sickle cell disease in Bahrain, and can be fully treated through bone marrow transplantation. The National Oncology Centre contains 120 beds, including a 10-bed Bone Marrow Transplantation Centre, and parking lots for a total of 1039 cars.