Medical researchers are shining a light on rheumatic diseases, noting that Bahrain should train more rheumatologists in the face of growing rheumatoid arthritis cases in the kingdom, according to a recently published book.
This is amongst the key findings discussed in the Bahrain chapter of ‘Rheumatic Diseases in the Arab World’ – the first and only comprehensive reference dedicated to diseases of the joints, muscles, bones, and autoimmune system across the region.
The book has been compiled by UAE-based medical researcher Khalid Alnaqbi and Kuwait-based rheumatologist and co-editor Ghaydaa Aldabie.
The ‘Rheumatic Diseases in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ chapter was authored by King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) internal medicine consultant Sahar Saad, alongside Redha Ali and Saadeya Abdulkarim.
“There is a pressing need to boost the number of rheumatologists in the public sector,” the researchers noted.
“Taking a cue from many advanced nations, the objective is to establish a ratio of one consultant rheumatologist for every 80,000 residents in Bahrain.”
The researchers noted that Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) plans to expand its day-case unit dedicated to rheumatic diseases from two beds to 10 beds.
In addition, KHUH is also looking at expanding its rheumatology department and collaborating with its healthcare academy to launch a specialised training programme for nurses focused on rheumatic diseases.
According to the researchers, training more medical professionals in the field can enhance care by ‘reducing wait times at rheumatology clinics and ensuring patients – especially outpatients with rheumatic diseases – receive ample consultation time’.
They also advocated for certifications in musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) – a tool gaining traction in rheumatology clinics for its role in diagnosis, management, and follow-up in patients with rheumatic diseases, paving the way for specialised subspecialty clinics and championing research to tailor care for Bahrain’s patient population.
Rheumatology visits at KHUH increased by 5.98 per cent to 8,865 in 2025 from 8,364 in the previous year.
Amongst KHUH patients, between 2016 and September 2025, 8,971 were diagnosed with low back pain, 7,121 with Vitamin D deficiency, 6,772 with general osteoarthritis, 1,965 with knee-focused osteoarthritis, 1,800 with osteoporosis and 1,430 with rheumatoid arthritis.
From 2016 to 2025, there were 5,272 new rheumatic clinic patients at KHUH.
“A growing trend in the number of rheumatoid arthritis patients was observed in Bahrain, a notable observation given Bahrain’s relatively small population,” researchers added.
“In addition, there was a marked increase in arthritis cases during the Covid-19 pandemic, with many of these patients later diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis post-Covid infection.
“The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in the kingdom could be influenced by several factors, such as genetics, lifestyle habits such as smoking, obesity, and consanguinity.
“There is great potential in mitigating these numbers through enhanced awareness campaigns, strategic screening programmes, and the expansion of rheumatology services in Bahrain.”
The study noted that there are 17 rheumatologists in Bahrain, of whom only three specialise in paediatric rheumatology.
In the public sector, the primary rheumatology divisions are situated at SMC, Bahrain Defence Force Hospital-Royal Medical Service (BDF-RMS), and KHUH.
SMC has six consultants and two specialists, KHUH has one consultant, and BDF-RMS has one consultant and one specialist.
In addition, there are six consultants operating in the private sector.
The Health Ministry also periodically invites visiting rheumatology professors to share insights on complex cases and deliver lectures, in addition to unique and complex cases being referred for overseas treatment.
The book cover
