Page 52 - SAMENA Trends - May 2020

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Telemedicine Gaining in Popularity in Bahrain

Telemedicine is gaining in popularity in Bahrain as social distancing
measures continue to be enforced due to the coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic. However, challenges remain as regards the
technology and adaptability of the workforce, said health experts.
Telemedicine is the distribution of health-related services and
information via electronic information and telecommunication
technologies. It connects patients to healthcare services through
two-way interactive video, remote monitoring or electronic
consultations. Though optimistic about the practice, healthcare
professionals in Bahrain underlined the need for doctor-patient
interaction in emergency cases. “Telemedicine is legally allowed
in Bahrain as per the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA)
standards,” said American Mission Hospital chief operating
officer Arun Govind. “It connects a physician or care provider with
a patient remotely and hence is in great demand during COVID-19 hospital due to the pandemic, this method is helpful. “But there
due to mobility restrictions. “This practice allows for a seamless are limitations; for instance, finding out the actual cause of an
provision of healthcare without facing the risk of being exposed to ear pain could prove tedious over phone.” “Besides, patients with
the current dangers in a healthcare facility. “However, technology chronic diseases may need psychological reassurance and that
acquisition, transformation and adaptability by the workforce are means asking them to report in person. “But I believe telemedicine
major challenges. “Wherever access to high-end or critical care is is here to stay, being convenient and safe.” Aster Clinic Gudaibiya
required, telemedicine is not the solution; a proper infrastructure paediatrician Dr. Anoob Stephen, who has been tele-consulting
with medical equipment and expertise of physicians and nurses patients, echoed similar views. “When there are barriers such as
are required to treat the patients.” Shifa Al Jazeera Medical COVID-19, a patient who lives far away from a medical facility
Centre ENT specialist Dr. Balagopal V said telemedicine was or a patient reluctant to visit a medical facility out of fear can
here to stay even post COVID-19. International experts said make use of the service,” he said. “However, it will only work for
it will help reduce the burden on the secondary hospitals and any illness that does not require laboratory tests or a physical
improve documentation, data-collection, diagnosis and care examination. “Telemedicine makes it easier and convenient for
without risking the safety of the patients or the health workers. patients to engage with doctors from the comfort of their home.
“Telemedicine is the need of the hour and it is proving really “Doctors need only very limited resources to engage with patients,
helpful for many, especially with certain specialties; in the case of but the traditional way of hands-on examination gives a better
ENT the practice can be used to treat mainly allergic cases,” said judgment for more accurate diagnosis.” He said the relevance of
Dr. Balagopal. “Telemedicine has been adopted in many Western a detailed study of the patient history cannot be underestimated,
countries, and is gaining momentum in this part of the world as adding that telemedicine could occasionally contribute to a delay
well. “Especially, where there is a fear or reluctance to visit the in treatment, especially with children.

Saudi Space Commission Gets UN Listing

The United Nations Office for Outer the SSC to work at the international level and the Space Regulation draft as well
Space Affairs has posted the logo of the to protect the interests of Saudi Arabia, as a study to establish the Saudi Space
Saudi Space Commission on the official enhance the Kingdom’s presence in the Company and they have been submitted
website of the Office, Saudi Press Agency international organization and expand for review and approval. On this occasion,
reported on Tuesday. Based in Vienna, the its space industry globally. He said the Al-Sheikh congratulated Prince Sultan Bin
United Nations body seeks to promote establishment of the SSC reflected the Salman, the chairman of the SSC. Dr. Al-
the peaceful use and exploration of space importance of the space sector for the Sheikh also thanked the King Abdulaziz
through international cooperation. The Kingdom. Saudi Arabia seeks to benefit City for Science and Technology, which
inclusion of the SSC in the UNOOSA’s from space sector by uniting local efforts represented the Kingdom during the past
list marks an important milestone for the in the field and enhancing international years. He said that the SCC continues to
Kingdom’s nascent space exploration cooperation in a way that gives the work with the KACST and other relevant
agency. Commenting on the development, Kingdom's economic, scientific and bodies, while taking advantage of Saudi
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, Chief Executive strategic benefits. Dr. Al-Sheikh also said research and development centers that
Officer of the SSC said the UNOOSA’s move that the Commission has completed the have contributed to the growth of the sector
represents an important step to enable preparation of the national space strategy and its related services and technologies.

52 MAY 2020