Latest news with #JameelaAlSalman
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Experts Warn: Antibiotics May No Longer Save Lives
TDT | Manama Addressing a critical global health concern, Dr. Jameela Al Salman, Bahraini physician and infectious disease specialist, sounded the alarm on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during her keynote speech at the Bahrain International Conference on Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, held at the Gulf Hotel. Speaking about the escalating crisis, Dr. Al Salman warned that antimicrobial resistance could soon become one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide if urgent measures are not taken. "We are seeing patients every week who are at risk of dying due to infections that no longer respond to antibiotics," she said. "This isn't a distant threat — it's happening now, in our hospitals, in our communities." She highlighted alarming trends, including the fact that some bacteria are now resistant to all known antibiotics, making once-treatable infections potentially fatal. Dr. Al Salman emphasized that globalization, travel, and overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals have accelerated the spread of resistant microbes. 'Bacteria don't need passports,' she warned. 'An outbreak in one country can easily affect others.' Despite efforts made over the past decade, progress has been limited. In 2014, a global action plan was launched to combat AMR, and Bahrain became a regional leader by prioritizing national surveillance and reporting systems under the WHO's Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS). However, she admitted that 'the world didn't do enough,' and resistance levels continue to climb. Dr. Al Salman called for a coordinated international approach, involving primary care physicians, hospitals, policymakers, and pharmaceutical companies. She stressed the need for better infection control practices, responsible prescription of antibiotics, public education, and investment in new treatments. She also pointed out that pharmaceutical companies are often reluctant to invest in new antibiotics due to low commercial returns, choosing instead to focus on more profitable treatments like cancer therapies. One of her key messages was the importance of the role of family doctors and primary care physicians, saying, 'You are at the center of this cycle. You're the first line of defense.' Overprescribing antibiotics, she said, not only affects individual patients but contributes to a wider community risk. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Al Salman noted that although it helped strengthen infection control measures, it also led to an increase in unnecessary antibiotic use, further exacerbating resistance. 'The clock is ticking. If we do not act now, we risk a future where simple infections could once again become deadly,' she concluded.
Daily Tribune
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Health Teams Hit Bahrain's biggest Mall
TDT | Manama Visitors to Avenues Mall recently had the chance to get their blood pressure checked on the spot, thanks to a joint hypertension awareness campaign by American Mission Hospital and RCSI Medical University of Bahrain. The campaign transformed a retail space into a health checkpoint, where doctors, nurses, and student volunteers offered free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI, along with lifestyle-based medical advice. The initiative aimed to alert residents to the risks of high blood pressure, a condition often without symptoms but potentially life-threatening if left unchecked. Bringing care closer The event, held ahead of World Hypertension Day, ran through May 24th and focused on reaching people in everyday settings. 'By engaging with the public and providing basic screenings and guidance for hypertension, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, we strive to make a tangible difference,' said H.E. Dr Jameela AlSalman, Director of Quality and Infection Disease at American Mission Hospital and a Member of the Shura Council. Alongside doctors and nurses, medical and nursing students from RCSI Bahrain played an active role in welcoming visitors and conducting screenings, offering both service and support under academic supervision. Joint mission for health Peter Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer of American Mission Hospital, and Dr Eman Tawash, Deputy Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at RCSI Bahrain, were present at the launch. Professor Kathryn Strachan, Head of the Nursing School, highlighted the shared vision between the two institutions. 'By providing healthcare education, we aim to empower individuals to manage their health proactively and mitigate potential risks associated with hypertension.' Focus on prevention Experts warn that hypertension can go unnoticed for years. Although usually asymptomatic, it may cause headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision. Risk factors include poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition. Organisers say that regular screenings and early interventions are key to avoiding more serious complications down the line. The campaign underlined a simple message - good health can begin anywhere, even during a casual walk through a mall.
Zawya
18-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Bahrain: Medical liability law approved
Bahrain - A medical liability law, aimed at enhancing patient rights, improving healthcare quality and ensuring accountability in Bahrain's medical sector, was unanimously approved by the Shura Council yesterday. The 34-article draft legislation, proposed by five members led services committee chairwoman Dr Jameela Al Salman, will be now drafted into a proper bill by the government and returned to the National Assembly within six months. The draft law seeks to create a clear legal framework governing medical responsibility, establishing patient rights, professional obligations and accountability mechanisms for medical practitioners and healthcare institutions. It also proposes the formation of a Higher Medical Liability Committee to oversee investigations into malpractice cases. Some of the notable provisions in the law include: * Strict penalties for medical negligence: Assisted dying or the removal of medical equipment without respiratory or cardiac failure could result in up to 10 years in jail. * Accountability for unethical medical practices: Failure to treat patients, administering treatments against their will, using unapproved medicines or procedures, and conducting unnecessary surgeries could result in fines of up to BD1,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both. * Mandatory medical liability insurance: The law mandates that healthcare providers obtain insurance to cover potential medical errors, ensuring financial protection for both patients and professionals. Dr Al Salman stressed the importance of accountability in the healthcare system, noting that the law is designed to protect patients and maintain trust in medical services. 'This law is not about punishing doctors; it's about ensuring a culture of accountability and safety,' she stated. 'Patients deserve to know they are receiving care from professionals who follow the highest ethical and medical standards.' She also highlighted that mandatory liability insurance would serve as a financial safeguard for doctors, reducing their personal risk in cases of unintended errors. Shura financial and economic affairs committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati cautioned that the law could financially strain private clinics and hospitals, leading to increased healthcare costs for patients. 'The cost of liability insurance and compliance measures could significantly impact smaller clinics and private hospitals, potentially leading to increased medical costs for patients,' he said. Shura's second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel acknowledged the concerns raised by the committee but said that the long-term benefits of the law far outweighed the costs. She further noted that the law would help reduce litigation by providing a fair administrative process for medical accountability and compensation, thus strengthening Bahrain's global standing in healthcare regulation. Shura member Dr Hani Al Saati, a co-signee, pointed to the need for modern legislation to address Bahrain's evolving healthcare sector. 'This law comes in response to the urgent need to keep up with advancements in medical services,' he said. 'We must establish a unified legal framework to fill the existing legislative gap in medical liability and ensure mandatory insurance coverage for healthcare providers. 'This will protect both patients and medical professionals.' Legislative and legal affairs committee chairwoman Dalal Al Zayed highlighted that the proposal introduced a clear legal definition of medical liability, ensuring a balanced approach between patient rights and doctors' professional duties. 'The key aspect of this proposal is that it assigns the responsibility of determining medical errors to a legally established committee, which will operate under a clear regulatory framework,' she said. 'This ensures fair and structured decision-making, with the final say resting with the Supreme Council of Health.' The Private Medical Establishments Owners Society supported the proposal but called for greater private sector representation in the Higher Medical Liability Committee and better protection for medical professionals. The Supreme Council of Health (SCH), the Health Ministry and the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) have also expressed support for the initiative, noting that many of its objectives were already covered under existing healthcare laws. Meanwhile, the Bahrain Medical Society welcomed the proposal, stressing its potential to boost trust in the country's healthcare system. Shura member Ali Al Aradi noted that while the SCH believed existing laws already addressed medical responsibility, there remained a legislative gap concerning patient rights and mandatory medical liability insurance. 'We do not currently have a law that comprehensively defines medical responsibility and obligations,' he explained. 'It would be beneficial to consolidate existing laws under a single, unified legal framework to improve clarity and streamline regulations.' Services committee rapporteur Dr Ibtisam Al Dallal said the proposed law represented a major step forward in ensuring patient safety, professional accountability and legal clarity in Bahrain's healthcare sector. 'While concerns over financial implications are raised, the law is a necessary investment in modernising medical regulations and reinforcing public confidence in healthcare services. 'The proposal is expected to shape the future of medical governance in Bahrain as a comprehensive and unified framework for medical liability sees the light.' Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
17-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Bahrainisation in private medical sector approved
Bahrain - The Shura Council yesterday unanimously approved a legislation for a minimum percentage of Bahrainisation in private hospitals, medical centres and clinics in the country. Amendments to the 2015 Private Medical Establishments Law have been recommended for approval by the services committee chaired by Dr Jameela Al Salman. However, Dr Al Salman pointed out that the Supreme Council for Health (SCH) should ensure that sufficient medical professionals are available, with priority given to Bahrainis, except in rare specialisations where qualified citizens are unavailable. She explained that the 50 per cent mandatory Bahrainisation, proposed by MPs, would be difficult to achieve. The proposed bill will be now referred to Parliament for a second review and if Shura's version is approved, it will be referred to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification. 'According to statistics presented by the Labour Ministry until June 2024, Bahraini graduates in the general medical specialisation number 516, out of 1,052 job-seekers,' Dr Al Salman pointed out. 'The 50pc sought by MPs disregards specialisations, which could see hospitals employing medics across departments that don't need them, in a bid to avoid penalties or punishments,' she explained. 'This is where the legislation has gone wrong, otherwise prioritising Bahraini medics is the right approach. So we have given the authority to the SCH to determine the percentages and accordingly grant licences for medics to work.' Shura Council second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel said there was no disagreement between both chambers that Bahraini medics should be prioritised in jobs. 'However, when there are no Bahraini medics in a particular field, then not anyone should be employed to achieve the Bahrainisation percentage.' Labour Ministry assistant under-secretary for labour affairs Ahmed Al Hayki said licences for expats are only granted following consultations with the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA). Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed said earlier Bahraini medics are preferred over expatriates, even if latter have more years of experience. 'Qualified citizens are given preference for every vacancy,' she added. 'Tamkeen (Labour Fund) initiatives have also helped Bahrainis by putting them in a stronger position for recruitment. 'We have a list of approved specialisations for which no Bahrainis are currently available, such as nuclear medicine, minimally invasive gynaecological surgery/robotic surgery, paediatric sport medicine, breast aesthetics and reconstructive surgery and forensic pathology. 'The NHRA has recently added several specialisations such as bariatric procedures fellowship, epilepsy and EEG, marriage and family psychotherapy and musculoskeletal imaging/intervention.' Present at the weekly session were senior health officials who pledged that Bahrainis will be always prioritised for recruitment in the medical sector. Tamkeen said that forcing Bahrainisation would affect investment and even rob Bahrainis of future jobs in the medical field. The Bahrain Chamber also said that the proposed move was 'noble in concept' but the 50pc quota would be impractical. The Private Medical Establishments Association said the Bahrainisation move should be voluntary and not compulsory. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily Tribune
17-02-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Shura Council approves bill forcing private hospitals to hire more citizens
A revised bill requiring private hospitals to ensure half their medical, technical, and nursing staff are Bahrainis was passed by the Shura Council yesterday. The proposal, first put forward by Parliament, was changed before being pushed through in the same sitting. It will now be sent back to MPs for further review. The planned change to Article 14 of Decree-Law No. 21 of 2015 is aimed at opening up more jobs for Bahraini graduates in the private healthcare sector. Committee rapporteur Talal Mohammed Al Manai said private hospitals would be expected to give first pick to Bahraini doctors, nurses, and technicians who meet the needed standards. Exceptions 'The only exceptions would be for jobs that need rare skills not found locally,' he said. Some Shura members questioned whether the plan would work in practice. Jameela Al Salman said forcing hospitals to stick to a fixed percentage could create hurdles. 'No other professions, including teaching and engineering, have strict hiring quotas,' she said. 'Private hospitals can't control how many Bahrainis choose to work in the sector.' She also pointed out that Gulf countries have moved away from set quotas, instead leaning on staged targets and job schemes to bring in more locals. Ali Al Aradi said the change did not match the country's current rules on private healthcare. 'Three different laws cross over in this amendment,' he said. 'The private healthcare law, the decree that set up the Supreme Council of Health, and the law that brought in the National Health Regulatory Authority. If this bill is passed, we'll also need to change the decree for the health council, or there'll be gaps in the rules.' Law Second Deputy Chair Jihad Al Fadhel said Bahraini doctors were often paid less than they should be, and the law could help fix that. 'We can't let market demand be the only thing that decides who gets hired,' she said. 'This will make sure Bahraini doctors have better chances, without cutting off the private sector's ability to bring in expert staff when needed.'
