The National Genome Centre was officially inaugurated yesterday at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC).
This comes as part of efforts to ensure the highest quality of services are provided to citizens along with continuous development and modernisation of health services.
The centre will conduct a major genetic survey of the Bahraini population by collecting 50,000 samples over the next five years, with the exercise aimed at significantly boosting efforts to tackle hereditary illnesses.
The building consists of three main departments in the laboratory which are the biobank to receive samples from the participants in Bahrain and extract the genetic material, the molecular genetics department to analyse the diseases locally and abroad as well as the cellular genetics department concerned with different chromosomes.
MEDICINES
“The National Genome Centre will contribute to the prevention of genetic diseases and the development of effective medicines to treat them,” said Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh as she toured the premises.
“This helps provide a healthy life and the prevention of diseases for present and future generations.”
She also stressed the ministry’s commitment to implement directives issued by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
“The 50,000 samples will help create a nation-wide database of information within efforts to elevate the quality and continue adopting modern techniques in the health sector for diagnosis while also providing innovative solutions for citizens,” she added.
“Steps to establish the centre were launched last year as part of the government’s support for innovative health sciences and research to find radical treatment for hereditary diseases faced by the Bahraini community.
“The ministry has taken the necessary steps and procedures to establish the centre with the establishment of the biobank to store vital samples such as DNA for the time being and tissue for future study within efforts to make SMC a pioneering and leading centre in the region for research.”
The GDN previously reported that participation in the survey is open to all Bahrainis aged above 21, although children with rare genetic conditions may take part if referred to by their physician and have their parents’ consent.
Samples of blood, saliva or urine will be collected and stored confidentially.
To take part or seek further information, call 32223700, 32223800 or e-mail genome@health.gov.bh
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