Sigh of relief as MPs approve new dialysis clinic in Isa Town

TDT | Manama

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A new dialysis clinic is on the cards for Isa Town, after MPs approved a proposal aimed at easing the load on overstretched services and helping patients who face mounting costs and long journeys for treatment.

MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen, who put forward the idea, described the toll that travel and expense take on those needing dialysis several times a week.

“For many, it’s hours on the road, three times a week, just to get care that keeps them alive. This hospital will be a lifeline for those who need it most,” said MP Al Dhaen.

Home

Isa Town, with its 50,000 residents, sits in the heart of the Southern Governorate, which is home to nearly 400,000 people across 66 blocks.

Dr Al Dhaen explained, “The number of people needing dialysis rises by seven per cent every year. There are 4,000 patients with kidney issues being treated in public hospitals, and 660 of them rely on dialysis. Shockingly, even children as young as eight are affected.”

Location

The new clinic will be built at the Yousef Engineer Health Centre, chosen for its central location, existing facilities, and ample space for development, including parking for visitors.

It will operate around the clock and provide haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Dr Al Dhaen said, “For patients, having care closer to home will make all the difference. It will reduce travel time, ease their stress, and ensure consistency in their treatment.”

Concern

A key concern raised by Dr Al Dhaen was the financial burden patients endure.

“A single dialysis session can cost over BD100, not to mention the expense of getting to and from the hospital,” she said. “This new centre will help to reduce these costs and improve patients’ well-being — because we all know that peace of mind plays a huge role in recovery.”

Dr Al Dhaen framed the proposal as part of Bahrain’s push to improve healthcare services across all regions.

Care

“This is not just about Isa Town,” she said. “It’s about creating something that benefits patients while also training and employing local doctors, nurses, and technicians. It’s about raising the bar for care across the board.”

She also called for collaboration between the government and private donors.

“We’ve seen these partnerships work well in other areas, like cardiology and ENT units,” she said. “This can be a model for other centres, making healthcare better for everyone.”