The harrowing story of Henry Bilkert s tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those navigating the tumultuous landscapes of the Middle East in the late 1920s. In 1921 at Bahrain s Mason Memorial Hospital (now known as American Mission Hospital) where the couple Anna and Henry Bilkert were working their son Monteith Richard Bilkert was born. They all later moved to Basra. Mr Bilkert then employed by the Arabian Mission found himself thrust into a deadly confrontation on January 21 1929 during a cross-desert journey from Basra to Kuwait. Accompanied by the notable Chicago millionaire and former US Ambassador to China Charles R Crane Bilkert s fateful expedition took a dire turn when they were ambushed by bandits believed to be composed of warring tribal factions. On that ill-fated day both Mr Bilkert and Mr Crane along with others were travelling in two cars. As they ventured halfway to Kuwait they encountered a violent assault by tribesmen. Despite the cars speeding up the assailants relentlessly pursued firing upon the vehicles and each other. If any single stray bullet had hit any one of those two cars tyres the outcome could have been even more tragic. Somehow the cars managed to successfully outrace the pursuers. However it was only after reaching a safe distance that Bilkert disclosed the severity of his injuries to his fellow passengers and driver. In agonising pain he uttered It is in my shoulder. I am paralysed. Sadly he did not survive passing away within an hour of being shot. The loss reverberated through the community as evidenced by the sombre public funeral held in Basra the following day January 22 1929. Attended by hundreds the procession from Ashar to Wakinah comprised 122 cars according to documented reports. The incident fraught with diplomatic implications garnered widespread attention and scrutiny prompting a thorough analysis by The New York Times in the early months of 1929. Until his death for many years Mr Bilkert had been editing Neglected Arabia the quarterly newsletters of the Arabian Mission. Meanwhile their son Monteith Richard carried on his father s spirit of resilience bravely serving in the US Navy during the Second World War and emerging as a dedicated veteran. In the aftermath of his passing Bilkert s widow Anna forged a new path alongside Dr Paul Harrison embarking on a decades-long journey of service at Bahrain s American Mission Hospital. A few years after Mr Bilkert s death in 1929 Anna married Dr Paul Harrison (who had also been widowed following his wife Nurse Regina s death). Later Dr Paul and Anna served in Bahrain s American Mission Hospital for more than 20 years.

The American Mission Hospital (AMH) established its laboratory services as a separate department in 1984 initially offering basic lab tests writes Jayne Houghton. Over the years it has expanded to cover five sites and a comprehensive range of laboratory tests aiding clinicians in diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. Every year on April 23 the world celebrates World Laboratory Day (WLD) also known as International Laboratory Day to recognise the importance of laboratories and their role in healthcare scientific research and development. The theme for WLD 2024 was The Future is Lab . Laboratory professionals were celebrated and honoured for their role in protecting the future by skilfully adapting to meet today s evolving patient care and public health challenges with resilience innovation and expertise. On WLD the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine was officially inaugurated at the King Hamad American Mission Hospital (KHAMH) in A ali. Present on the occasion were Supreme Council for Health (SCH) chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa AMH corporate chief executive and chief medical officer Dr George Cheriyan and AMH group chief executive officer Julia Tovey. WLD is a time to recognise those who perform research and experiments in these unique workspaces. While it may not be common knowledge some of the world s greatest discoveries came directly from laboratories. The emergence of great inventions continues to make the world a better place said an AMH spokesperson. It was a day to acknowledge the vital role and contribution of laboratory professionals to society in advancing healthcare and promoting the value of science through research to improve people s lives.

Bahrain s successful Covid-19 proactive approach and policies were highlighted yesterday by top medical professionals at a major forum. They praised the country and how it successfully dealt with the pandemic during what were unprecedented times. The C3 Bahrain Davos of Healthcare summit kicked off yesterday at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa Manama with the theme The Evolution of Global Healthcare. The two-day event being hosted by the American Mission Hospital (AMH) will discuss trends in the medical field and look at Bahrain s model during the Covid-19 pandemic. AMH corporate chief executive and chief medical officer Dr George Cheriyan welcomed speakers and delegates including Supreme Council for Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed and C3 Summit founder Ransel Potter. Bahrain has a very robust national healthcare system evidenced by how the kingdom navigated the Covid-19 pandemic successfully said Dr Cheriyan at the event s opening address. Despite that it is important to not rest on our laurels and ensure there is sufficient preparation in place in case another pandemic breaks out. Rising healthcare costs due to challenges like climate change conflicts and shortage of medical professionals need to be addressed in order to ensure that medical services remain accessible for everyone. The summit is the perfect place for leaders of the healthcare industry in Bahrain and abroad to gather and share their knowledge and the latest advances in medicine as well as to discuss on how we can solve some of these challenges. Lt Gen Dr Shaikh Mohammed hailed the AMH for successfully organising the event believing it can help Bahrain s healthcare system grow and be ready for the next few years. Healthcare not just in Bahrain but also around the world is evolving every single day he said. It has become its own modern ecosystem and has to be managed as such. We need to be sure that not only are we ready in case another pandemic breaks out but also to prioritise patient safety while keeping up the quality of healthcare that is expected of us. I am encouraging all participants to discuss challenges faced and to come up with potential solutions that can benefit not just us but patients around the world. At the event Mr Potter heaped praise on His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their vision and dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic. The summit holds a special significance for Bahrain as evidenced by the awards bestowed upon its leaders he said. In 2016 His Majesty King Hamad received the C3 Lifetime Achievement Award while in 2021 His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Prime Minister was honoured with the C3 Leadership Award for Bahrain s exemplary management of the Covid-19 pandemic described as a model of excellence . It is very important for countries to strive for excellence in healthcare like Bahrain does. Since its inception in 2012 with former American President Bill Clinton as the inaugural keynote speaker C3 has emphasised three core principles community collaboration and commerce. I m happy to say Bahrain s healthcare system embodies all three core principles and will continue to be a model of excellence. Yesterday s event featured a variety of talks including talks on a paradigm shift in healthcare in Bahrain evolution of government policies cybersecurity in healthcare and innovation as well as sustainability on healthcare systems. It concludes today with discussions on topics such as smart hospitals women in global healthcare the role of artificial intelligence and the likely impact of climate change.

BAHRAIN has initiated 65 projects that utilise artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors including healthcare over the last seven years a forum heard. The country s rapid strides and its keenness to adopt the latest technologies were highlighted by International Group of Artificial Intelligence Bahrain president Dr Jassim Haji on the second and final day of a major medical conference yesterday. The C3 Bahrain Davos of Healthcare summit was organised by the American Mission Hospital (AMH) under the theme The Evolution of Global Healthcare at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Residence and Spa. It featured various keynote speakers and discussions on several topics including smart hospitals utilisation of AI in healthcare and the role of the private sector in the industry. Bahrain started investing in AI back in 2017 Mr Haji said during a panel discussion titled The Role of Big Data and AI . It was mostly thanks to Supreme Defence Council Secretary-General Royal Guard Commander and Board of Trustees Chairman of the Nasser Vocational Training Centre Lieutenant-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who has encouraged investment in technology. Since then we have established 65 projects in the country that utilise AI in one form or the other some of which include healthcare services in both public and private hospitals. One such example is using AI to inventory medicine and check for expired medications. The use of AI in healthcare continues to gain momentum worldwide with several studies confirming its effectiveness in diagnosing chronic illnesses increasing staff efficiency and improving the quality of care while optimising resources. Mr Haji however added that AI in healthcare needed its own monitoring systems and guidelines. The owner of the algorithm of each AI needs to be noted because many people can develop their own device with their own algorithm he added. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Centre associate director Dr Otto Metzger who also spoke at the event suggested more ways for Bahrain to effectively deploy AI in healthcare. AI can be used in clinical research and trials Dr Metzger pointed out. By combining AI with the genome database we can determine whether patients are suitable candidates for such tests or not. It can also help with targeted individual therapy allowing doctors to sift through a lot of data in a matter of minutes if not seconds which can save the lives of patients by ensuring they receive proper medication. Utilising AI to its full potential can help doctors in Bahrain and abroad to spend more time with patients which is crucial to understanding them. Despite the recommendations Dr Metzger also acknowledged that AI had its drawbacks. Doctors will need training to use it efficiently he said. This may be possible for medical students but time may be a factor for professionals. Another major drawback is that AI might not account for variability and might not be suited for complex cases. Of course AI can be biased as well because it can only give you the information it has been fed and is not as flexible with new information. Another session for the day looked at the importance of partnership between private and public healthcare systems in Bahrain. Among the speakers at the session titled Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Building Tomorrow s Healthcare Systems were National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) group chief executive Usman Ahmed and Economic Development Board (EDB) health affairs director Munther Al Mudawi. The role of banks in healthcare cannot be understated Mr Ahmed said. Ensuring that the country has the best possible healthcare facilities is part of a bank s duties towards society. NBB has worked extensively with healthcare in Bahrain playing a part in financing the new King Hamad American Mission Hospital in A ali. The banking sector in general needs to have a strong social commitment to the healthcare sector to help people. Mr Al Mudawi highlighted the importance of investing in the sector for Bahrain s future and ensuring that private firms and government entities co-operate as much as possible. Healthcare is a priority for the government especially for His Majesty King Hamad he said. It is crucial that no compromise is made in the provision of healthcare services especially since it s an important part of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. The EDB has made it clear we want less competition and more co-ordination and when that happens not only will it provide the best possible outcomes for patients but also boost healthcare tourism which is key for the country s development. The event featured more than 15 sessions over two days with more than 40 speakers all of whom were honoured by AMH corporate chief executive and chief medical officer Dr George Cheriyan and C3 Summit founder Ransel Potter.

April is Caesarean Awareness Month and American Mission Hospital (AMH) obstetrics and gynaecologist (OBGYN) service line head Dr Alka Gupta offers invaluable insights into the realm of obstetrics particularly regarding the often-misunderstood topic of caesarean sections. Caesarean birth is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut made in the mother s abdomen and uterus. Healthcare providers use it when they believe it is safer for the mother the baby or both. With her wealth of experience and dedication to maternal health Dr Gupta sheds light on the complexities of this major surgical procedure. Caesarean sections play a crucial role in modern obstetrics but it s essential to understand the reasons risks and recovery process associated with this operation explains Dr Gupta. It is important to make an informed decision for expectant mothers and healthcare providers. Each case is unique and requires careful consideration of a variety of factors. From addressing breech presentations to managing maternal infections there are a diverse range of circumstances that may necessitate a caesarean delivery. At AMH our primary goal is to prioritise the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby Dr Gupta affirms. Most caesareans are carried out under spinal or epidural anaesthesia where an injection is given by the anaesthetist in the lower back. This will numb the lower body while you are still awake and aware of the surroundings. The beautiful part of this anaesthesia is that as you are awake you can hear and witness your baby s first cry. In light of the risks associated with caesarean sections including infections blood clots and organ damage Dr Gupta stresses the importance of vigilant monitoring and comprehensive post-operative care. Despite these potential complications she reassures readers that the procedure is generally safe when performed by skilled healthcare professionals. There is also a possibility of vaginal birth after a caesarean section (VBAC) for subsequent pregnancies offering hope to women who may prefer this option. In a VBAC scenario there is a need for extra monitoring during labour to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. For more information or to book an AMH appointment WhatsApp 3364 4177 or telephone 1717 7711.

The harrowing story of Henry Bilkert s tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those navigating the tumultuous landscapes of the Middle East in the late 1920s. In 1921 at Bahrain s Mason Memorial Hospital (now known as American Mission Hospital) where the couple Anna and Henry Bilkert were working their son Monteith Richard Bilkert was born. They all later moved to Basra. Mr Bilkert then employed by the Arabian Mission found himself thrust into a deadly confrontation on January 21 1929 during a cross-desert journey from Basra to Kuwait. Accompanied by the notable Chicago millionaire and former US Ambassador to China Charles R Crane Bilkert s fateful expedition took a dire turn when they were ambushed by bandits believed to be composed of warring tribal factions. On that ill-fated day both Mr Bilkert and Mr Crane along with others were travelling in two cars. As they ventured halfway to Kuwait they encountered a violent assault by tribesmen. Despite the cars speeding up the assailants relentlessly pursued firing upon the vehicles and each other. If any single stray bullet had hit any one of those two cars tyres the outcome could have been even more tragic. Somehow the cars managed to successfully outrace the pursuers. However it was only after reaching a safe distance that Bilkert disclosed the severity of his injuries to his fellow passengers and driver. In agonising pain he uttered It is in my shoulder. I am paralysed. Sadly he did not survive passing away within an hour of being shot. The loss reverberated through the community as evidenced by the sombre public funeral held in Basra the following day January 22 1929. Attended by hundreds the procession from Ashar to Wakinah comprised 122 cars according to documented reports. The incident fraught with diplomatic implications garnered widespread attention and scrutiny prompting a thorough analysis by The New York Times in the early months of 1929. Until his death for many years Mr Bilkert had been editing Neglected Arabia the quarterly newsletters of the Arabian Mission. Meanwhile their son Monteith Richard carried on his father s spirit of resilience bravely serving in the US Navy during the Second World War and emerging as a dedicated veteran. In the aftermath of his passing Bilkert s widow Anna forged a new path alongside Dr Paul Harrison embarking on a decades-long journey of service at Bahrain s American Mission Hospital. A few years after Mr Bilkert s death in 1929 Anna married Dr Paul Harrison (who had also been widowed following his wife Nurse Regina s death). Later Dr Paul and Anna served in Bahrain s American Mission Hospital for more than 20 years.

The American Mission Hospital (AMH) established its laboratory services as a separate department in 1984 initially offering basic lab tests writes Jayne Houghton. Over the years it has expanded to cover five sites and a comprehensive range of laboratory tests aiding clinicians in diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. Every year on April 23 the world celebrates World Laboratory Day (WLD) also known as International Laboratory Day to recognise the importance of laboratories and their role in healthcare scientific research and development. The theme for WLD 2024 was The Future is Lab . Laboratory professionals were celebrated and honoured for their role in protecting the future by skilfully adapting to meet today s evolving patient care and public health challenges with resilience innovation and expertise. On WLD the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine was officially inaugurated at the King Hamad American Mission Hospital (KHAMH) in A ali. Present on the occasion were Supreme Council for Health (SCH) chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa AMH corporate chief executive and chief medical officer Dr George Cheriyan and AMH group chief executive officer Julia Tovey. WLD is a time to recognise those who perform research and experiments in these unique workspaces. While it may not be common knowledge some of the world s greatest discoveries came directly from laboratories. The emergence of great inventions continues to make the world a better place said an AMH spokesperson. It was a day to acknowledge the vital role and contribution of laboratory professionals to society in advancing healthcare and promoting the value of science through research to improve people s lives.

Bahrain s successful Covid-19 proactive approach and policies were highlighted yesterday by top medical professionals at a major forum. They praised the country and how it successfully dealt with the pandemic during what were unprecedented times. The C3 Bahrain Davos of Healthcare summit kicked off yesterday at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa Manama with the theme The Evolution of Global Healthcare. The two-day event being hosted by the American Mission Hospital (AMH) will discuss trends in the medical field and look at Bahrain s model during the Covid-19 pandemic. AMH corporate chief executive and chief medical officer Dr George Cheriyan welcomed speakers and delegates including Supreme Council for Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed and C3 Summit founder Ransel Potter. Bahrain has a very robust national healthcare system evidenced by how the kingdom navigated the Covid-19 pandemic successfully said Dr Cheriyan at the event s opening address. Despite that it is important to not rest on our laurels and ensure there is sufficient preparation in place in case another pandemic breaks out. Rising healthcare costs due to challenges like climate change conflicts and shortage of medical professionals need to be addressed in order to ensure that medical services remain accessible for everyone. The summit is the perfect place for leaders of the healthcare industry in Bahrain and abroad to gather and share their knowledge and the latest advances in medicine as well as to discuss on how we can solve some of these challenges. Lt Gen Dr Shaikh Mohammed hailed the AMH for successfully organising the event believing it can help Bahrain s healthcare system grow and be ready for the next few years. Healthcare not just in Bahrain but also around the world is evolving every single day he said. It has become its own modern ecosystem and has to be managed as such. We need to be sure that not only are we ready in case another pandemic breaks out but also to prioritise patient safety while keeping up the quality of healthcare that is expected of us. I am encouraging all participants to discuss challenges faced and to come up with potential solutions that can benefit not just us but patients around the world. At the event Mr Potter heaped praise on His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their vision and dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic. The summit holds a special significance for Bahrain as evidenced by the awards bestowed upon its leaders he said. In 2016 His Majesty King Hamad received the C3 Lifetime Achievement Award while in 2021 His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Prime Minister was honoured with the C3 Leadership Award for Bahrain s exemplary management of the Covid-19 pandemic described as a model of excellence . It is very important for countries to strive for excellence in healthcare like Bahrain does. Since its inception in 2012 with former American President Bill Clinton as the inaugural keynote speaker C3 has emphasised three core principles community collaboration and commerce. I m happy to say Bahrain s healthcare system embodies all three core principles and will continue to be a model of excellence. Yesterday s event featured a variety of talks including talks on a paradigm shift in healthcare in Bahrain evolution of government policies cybersecurity in healthcare and innovation as well as sustainability on healthcare systems. It concludes today with discussions on topics such as smart hospitals women in global healthcare the role of artificial intelligence and the likely impact of climate change.

BAHRAIN has initiated 65 projects that utilise artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors including healthcare over the last seven years a forum heard. The country s rapid strides and its keenness to adopt the latest technologies were highlighted by International Group of Artificial Intelligence Bahrain president Dr Jassim Haji on the second and final day of a major medical conference yesterday. The C3 Bahrain Davos of Healthcare summit was organised by the American Mission Hospital (AMH) under the theme The Evolution of Global Healthcare at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Residence and Spa. It featured various keynote speakers and discussions on several topics including smart hospitals utilisation of AI in healthcare and the role of the private sector in the industry. Bahrain started investing in AI back in 2017 Mr Haji said during a panel discussion titled The Role of Big Data and AI . It was mostly thanks to Supreme Defence Council Secretary-General Royal Guard Commander and Board of Trustees Chairman of the Nasser Vocational Training Centre Lieutenant-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who has encouraged investment in technology. Since then we have established 65 projects in the country that utilise AI in one form or the other some of which include healthcare services in both public and private hospitals. One such example is using AI to inventory medicine and check for expired medications. The use of AI in healthcare continues to gain momentum worldwide with several studies confirming its effectiveness in diagnosing chronic illnesses increasing staff efficiency and improving the quality of care while optimising resources. Mr Haji however added that AI in healthcare needed its own monitoring systems and guidelines. The owner of the algorithm of each AI needs to be noted because many people can develop their own device with their own algorithm he added. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Centre associate director Dr Otto Metzger who also spoke at the event suggested more ways for Bahrain to effectively deploy AI in healthcare. AI can be used in clinical research and trials Dr Metzger pointed out. By combining AI with the genome database we can determine whether patients are suitable candidates for such tests or not. It can also help with targeted individual therapy allowing doctors to sift through a lot of data in a matter of minutes if not seconds which can save the lives of patients by ensuring they receive proper medication. Utilising AI to its full potential can help doctors in Bahrain and abroad to spend more time with patients which is crucial to understanding them. Despite the recommendations Dr Metzger also acknowledged that AI had its drawbacks. Doctors will need training to use it efficiently he said. This may be possible for medical students but time may be a factor for professionals. Another major drawback is that AI might not account for variability and might not be suited for complex cases. Of course AI can be biased as well because it can only give you the information it has been fed and is not as flexible with new information. Another session for the day looked at the importance of partnership between private and public healthcare systems in Bahrain. Among the speakers at the session titled Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Building Tomorrow s Healthcare Systems were National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) group chief executive Usman Ahmed and Economic Development Board (EDB) health affairs director Munther Al Mudawi. The role of banks in healthcare cannot be understated Mr Ahmed said. Ensuring that the country has the best possible healthcare facilities is part of a bank s duties towards society. NBB has worked extensively with healthcare in Bahrain playing a part in financing the new King Hamad American Mission Hospital in A ali. The banking sector in general needs to have a strong social commitment to the healthcare sector to help people. Mr Al Mudawi highlighted the importance of investing in the sector for Bahrain s future and ensuring that private firms and government entities co-operate as much as possible. Healthcare is a priority for the government especially for His Majesty King Hamad he said. It is crucial that no compromise is made in the provision of healthcare services especially since it s an important part of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. The EDB has made it clear we want less competition and more co-ordination and when that happens not only will it provide the best possible outcomes for patients but also boost healthcare tourism which is key for the country s development. The event featured more than 15 sessions over two days with more than 40 speakers all of whom were honoured by AMH corporate chief executive and chief medical officer Dr George Cheriyan and C3 Summit founder Ransel Potter.

April is Caesarean Awareness Month and American Mission Hospital (AMH) obstetrics and gynaecologist (OBGYN) service line head Dr Alka Gupta offers invaluable insights into the realm of obstetrics particularly regarding the often-misunderstood topic of caesarean sections. Caesarean birth is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut made in the mother s abdomen and uterus. Healthcare providers use it when they believe it is safer for the mother the baby or both. With her wealth of experience and dedication to maternal health Dr Gupta sheds light on the complexities of this major surgical procedure. Caesarean sections play a crucial role in modern obstetrics but it s essential to understand the reasons risks and recovery process associated with this operation explains Dr Gupta. It is important to make an informed decision for expectant mothers and healthcare providers. Each case is unique and requires careful consideration of a variety of factors. From addressing breech presentations to managing maternal infections there are a diverse range of circumstances that may necessitate a caesarean delivery. At AMH our primary goal is to prioritise the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby Dr Gupta affirms. Most caesareans are carried out under spinal or epidural anaesthesia where an injection is given by the anaesthetist in the lower back. This will numb the lower body while you are still awake and aware of the surroundings. The beautiful part of this anaesthesia is that as you are awake you can hear and witness your baby s first cry. In light of the risks associated with caesarean sections including infections blood clots and organ damage Dr Gupta stresses the importance of vigilant monitoring and comprehensive post-operative care. Despite these potential complications she reassures readers that the procedure is generally safe when performed by skilled healthcare professionals. There is also a possibility of vaginal birth after a caesarean section (VBAC) for subsequent pregnancies offering hope to women who may prefer this option. In a VBAC scenario there is a need for extra monitoring during labour to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. For more information or to book an AMH appointment WhatsApp 3364 4177 or telephone 1717 7711.