A BD2.5 million ($6.63 million) haematology centre at Bahrain's main hospital is set to be up and running within 10 months, said a senior government official.

Works Ministry construction projects director Mona Al Mutawa said construction of the 90-bed four-storey facility, which began in November last year, was progressing well.

Speaking during a visit to the construction site at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), she said the centre would help treat thousands of patients with blood diseases.

'Work is going on at a brisk pace and contractors Gulf Trading House are well-placed to complete it well in time,' she said.

'We are planning the centre to be fully operational by July next year, after it is completed and handed over in June. There is already a tremendous burden on society as a result of the sickle cell disease. This centre will be of great help in reducing that burden.'

Campaigners fighting for more facilities for sickle cell disease patients in Bahrain, earlier welcomed the decision to set up the centre, saying it would fulfil a long-standing demand.

'The centre will also take a load off the SMC Accident and Emergency department as well as other departments because patients with sickle cell disease would come directly to the centre,' said Al Mutawa.

She said the centre, being constructed on the north side of the SMC, would cover a total area of 3,334 sq m.

'It will include four out-patient clinics as well as a large hall for patients and their relatives to wait,' said Al Mutawa.

The unit will also house an accident and emergency department, and separate wards for men, women and children.

The project is part of a host of new facilities at the hospital, including a new critical care unit, modern central pharmacy, an expanded morgue and a police station among others.

The new centre will be connected to SMC by a walkway, providing access to all hospitals facilities.

Bahrain Society for Sickle Cell Anaemia Patient Care chairman Zakareya Ebrahim Alkadhem welcomed the development and said he hoped it would ease the pain of sickle cell patients. – TradeArabia News Service