Bahrain has opened a dedicated medical centre for sickle cell patients, marking a milestone in healthcare for thousands suffering from the hereditary blood disease in the kingdom.

The BD4.7 million ($12.4 million) facility - the first and largest of its kind in the region - will cater to more than 15,000 patients - including around 5,000 sickle cell anaemia sufferers, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"The 90-bed multi-disciplinary clinic is a model in the region," said Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi, who was deputed by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, to attend the opening of the Hereditary Blood Disorder Centre at Salmaniya Medical Complex.

Parliament chairman and Bahrain Society for the Welfare of Sickle Cell Patients honorary president Dr Khalifa Al Dhahrani inaugurated the clinic.

Its operating costs are estimated at BD3.2 million per year and the four-storey building has a number of facilities for patients.-TradeArabia News Service