Embassy in Bahrain conducts medical clinic to mark Vesak in collaboration with Lankan associations a

The American Mission Hospital based in Bahrain and the Sri Lanka Engineering Society (SLES) of the Sri Lanka Club, in close collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka, conducted a major medical clinic and camp at the embassy premises, coinciding with the Vesak ceremony. 

Ambassador Dr. A. Saj U. Mendis stated that over 250 Sri Lankans domiciled in the Kingdom of Bahrain visited the embassy to obtain medical, dental and clinical services from specialised doctors and trained clinicians employed at the prestigious American Mission Hospital in Bahrain. The American Mission Hospital in Bahrain was the first fully-fledged modern medical facility to be established in the Kingdom of Bahrain as far back as in 1903. 

The President of the Sri Lanka Engineering Society in Bahrain (SLES) Vijitha Pathirana and Vice President Saman Karunaratne initiated this altruistic and humane service along with the American Mission Hospital (AMH) and the embassy in order to extend medical and clinical services and other medical tests to less privileged Sri Lankans in Bahrain on the day of Vesak. 

The opening remarks were made by Karunaratne, who emphasised the vitality and importance of one’s health and wellbeing and AMH Senior Physician Dr. Babu Ramachandran, who informed visitors and potential patients of the various aspects of sicknesses and diseases and how to detect or avert them, among other things. 

Ambassador Dr. Saj Mendis focused on the fact that regular medical check-ups, at least once in six months, were critical since any sickness or condition, be it high blood pressure, diabetes, complications related to cardiology or even cancer could be detected at a nascent stage, thus enabling them to obtain appropriate medical treatment.   The American Mission Hospital is one of the best medical facilities not only in Bahrain but also in the Gulf region and is considered to be quite costly and very exclusive. The American Mission Hospital brought all the necessary equipment, paraphernalia and medication as well as staff consisting of medical specialists, clinicians and nurses as a part of its CSR program. 

The highly trained staff of the hospital examined the patients, prescribed medication and suggested further tests if necessary as well as conducted medical lectures and discussions on various health-related issues, thus educating patients and visitors at the embassy premises.  The medical clinic commenced at around 9.00 a.m. and concluded at around 5.00 p.m. The large number of people who visited the embassy to obtain the free medical and dental services was greeted with refreshments and soft drinks. 

The American Mission Hospital suggested that it would be interested in conducting the aforementioned medical and dental clinic in association with Sri Lankan associations and the embassy more frequently.