First medical care giver! As a healthcare institution, AMH continues to play a significant role in containing the pandemic in Bahrain by participating in the testing, tracing and quarantine facilities alongside the government
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stablished in 1903, the American Mission Hospital (AMH) has been serving the community of Bahrain for almost 120 years. As one of the premier medical institutions in Bahrain, we have helped prevent the spread of pandemics, as early as 1918 and 1919, when the first Spanish flu pandemic swept across Bahrain. Back then, we were the only healthcare institution that existed, public or private, so we certainly have experience in dealing such situations in the past. Fortunately, a 100 years on now, technology and advances in medical sciences have greatly contributed to the speed with which the pandemic has been dealt with. A lot of appreciation is due to the national taskforce which has led the efforts to contain the local effects of the pandemic. As a healthcare institution we continue to play a significant role in containing the pandemic in Bahrain by participating in the testing, tracing and quarantine facilities alongside the government. The major challenges facing not only AMH but also other private and public hospitals in Bahrain is that the cost of medical care is rising significantly. The second challenge is hiring and retaining highly qualified healthcare specialist in a small country like Bahrain. Even though the Kingdom is producing its own doctors and nurses, it is going to be at least 10 to 20 years before the Kingdom becomes self-sufficient in this regard. The third challenge is how to combat and control the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. For example- Bahrain has the highest number of type 2 diabetes cases 174 Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021
Dr George Cheriyan, CEO and CMO of AMH
in the world, which leads to complications such as renal failure or eye problems. These so-called lifestyle diseases are best tackled through prevention rather than cure, and it is one of our major challenges to lead people to healthier choices. Digital advancements are completely transforming the way that healthcare is delivered. Patient experience takes center stage, allowing patients to book appointments, schedule follow-ups, manage prescriptions and more, through digital platforms. The care provided is also highly specialized due to advances in technology – the latest MRI and CT scan machines have AI capabilities which not only make them more effective at diagnosing illnesses but can also help to create treatment plans that are precisely tailored to each patient’s needs. Going forward, we will also see a focus in preventative measure to combat the development of non-communicable diseases.
As one of the premier medical institutions in Bahrain, AMH has helped prevent the spread of pandemics, as early as 1918 and 1919, when the first Spanish flu pandemic swept across Bahrain
