Bahrain's Genome Center to Create National Genetic Map
TDT | Manama
Health Minister, Ms. Jaleela bint Sayed Jawad, has outlined the next steps in Bahrain's National Genome Programme following the collection of the required number of samples.
The programme, she explained, will see a specialised public health team analyse and process the genetic data after complete gene sequencing for each participant. This process, she noted, will take several months before the release of the research-based genetic survey report.
The Minister's comments came in response to an inquiry from Shura Council member Dr Jehad Al Fadhel regarding the programme and its future actions.
"Following the initial analysis, the National Genome Centre will study all reports to create a local genetic map. This will involve tracking diseases identified in the results, verifying genetic variations, and conducting research to enable the healthcare system to develop high-quality preventive and therapeutic health policies," the Minister said in her response.
This, the Minister emphasised, will improve current and future treatment services and lead to more precise investment of medical resources.
The plan also includes sending the results of individuals with genetic variations requiring treatment to specialists in genetic counseling and therapy for consultation and appropriate treatment, if necessary.
"A partial database is currently being created, which will be completed after the analysis of all samples and data from all participants. The creation of a comprehensive database requires the complete integration of clinical data," the Minister added.
As per the Minister's response, the National Genome Centre currently employs 14 staff members, including physician-researchers, medical statisticians, genome medicine specialists, laboratory technicians, and genetic engineering specialists.
"A comprehensive training plan is underway to train medical personnel, focusing on rare specialisations such as genetic data analysis, bioinformatics, genome medicine, and personalised medicine.
Four employees have been sent to the UK and Greece to pursue master's degrees, while five specialists from the Genome Centre are receiving training at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital in the United States," the Minister revealed.
"The budget allocated to the centre is BD 1.03 million for 2023 and BD 2.8 million for 2024. The programme represents a significant investment in Bahrain's healthcare infrastructure and its commitment to advancing personalised medicine," she concluded.
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