Health: Genome studies vital for healthcare sector – Gulf Digital News

Health: Genome studies vital for healthcare sector – Gulf Digital News

The aim of the Bahrain Genome Programme is to translate research findings into new diagnostics and therapeutics and to integrate them into genomic medicine services, writes Raji Unnikrishnan.

The initiative’s approach differs from other genome projects in that it integrates research, clinical and comprehensive capacity building and technology transfer efforts.

“We have collected more than 30,000 samples and we have shared some of them with Harvard University,” revealed Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed.

“We’ve also conducted a number of tests and are still co-ordinating with the authorities concerned on the results which will be shared with those who volunteered, as soon as they are available.

“It is worthy to note that such tests take time and the results might not be available immediately – this is the first part of the genome project in the country.

“We are proud of having so many people participating in the project and we hope that many more will do so in order to achieve the desired goals that benefit society as a whole.”

Dr Al Sayyed assured that the country was ‘prepared’ and ‘in line’ with international guidelines when it came to collaborating on research and training to further strengthen the health sector.

“Bahrain’s health system has proven to