A SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTHCARE Farah Baig speaks to the Chief Resident of SMC Accident and Emergency Department, Dr. P.V. Cheriyan about the Kingdom of Bahrain’s healthcare system, COVID-19 and more. With decades of experience practicing medicine in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Chief Resident of the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) Accident and Emergency Department, and Governing Council Member of Bahrain Medical Society, Dr. P.V. Cheriyan is no stranger to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s healthcare sector. He sheds some light on the latest developments in Bahrain’s healthcare, the Kingdom’s noteworthy response to COVID-19 and awareness campaigns. You have had a long and illustrious career in healthcare in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Can you tell our readers about your start in the medical field in Bahrain? Having started working at the Accident & Emergency Department from 16th October 1979, I have completed my career of nearly 42 years in the medical field in Bahrain. Other than treating patients, I was also administrative resident – in charge of duty list, salary, overtime and other benefits of over 50 doctors in the department from 1987 till 2012, and was also responsible for GOSI – General Organisation of Social Insurance – for workers due to occupational injuries. Aside from this, I was also medical co-ordinator of all national and international events at Bahrain – including F1 and all events at Bahrain International Circuit from 2004 till 2019, football matches, GCC meetings, visits of dignitaries etc. I was also, notably, a member of the Medical Team of Late Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, from 2012 to 2020. As a doctor who has practiced medicine in the Kingdom of Bahrain for several years, what are your thoughts on the strides that the Kingdom has made in healthcare? Bahrain has made tremendous progress in the healthcare sector for the last few years. Here we have a strong network of primary, secondary and tertiary care system – over 30 primary health centers, government and private hospitals providing world class healthcare to the residents. I have witnessed the tremendous improvements in infrastructure, manpower, facilities, latest modern equipment etc. You are an active member of the Cancer Care group. Could you highlight the group’s activities, collaborations and community outreach programme? The Cancer Care Group, affiliated with Bahrain Cancer Society, has been actively involved in various activities to support the needy section of the society – not only taking care of Cancer victims, but also for various lifestyle diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension, Stroke, Obesity, and also Psychological and Psychiatric illnesses. We work closely with various Ministries including Health, Labour and Social Development, Education, Interior etc. interview 14 September 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com
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