Rheumatic Diseases in the Kingdom of Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain is the smallest member of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Its healthcare system began in 1960. Bahrain adopted the Universal Declaration of Alma-Ata in 1978 and the Astana Declaration in 2018, aiming for universal health coverage. The nation prioritizes public health, ensuring disease prevention and treatment by establishing various hospitals and a comprehensive network of health centers throughout the country. The implementation of an Electronic Medical Record system and the connectivity between the two main hospitals and health centers have significantly improved healthcare services and the referral system to the three major tertiary hospitals. Until 1989, rheumatology cases in Bahrain were managed by orthopedic surgeons. The first dedicated rheumatology clinic was established in January 1990 at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) and was overseen by a single rheumatology consultant. Since then, rheumatology practice in Bahrain has seen significant advancements in the services provided. Today, the rheumatology unit at SMC boasts six consultants, along with residents and chief residents. In 2011, a second rheumatology division was inaugurated at King Hamad University Hospital. Since its inception, this division has made notable strides, by expanding its services and introducing specialized clinics for the early detection of arthritis, osteoporosis, spondyloarthritis, and lupus. Being teaching institutions, both healthcare facilities host undergraduate students from Arabian Gulf University and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland medical schools for their rheumatology rotations. These students gain experience at the rheumatology divisions of these major tertiary hospitals. In this chapter, we delve deeper into the evolution and current state of rheumatology practice in Bahrain.