Manama: Lieutenant General Doctor Shaikh Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Health (SCH), inaugurated the first annual Bahrain Thoracic Conference (BTC 2026), organised by Government Hospitals on January 8-9, under the theme "Recent Advancements in the Diagnosis and Management of Thoracic Diseases." The conference brings together a distinguished group of consultants and experts.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the SCH Chairman stated that holding this specialised conference demonstrates the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to developing the healthcare sector and strengthening continuous medical education. He emphasised the importance of scientific conferences in promoting the exchange of expertise and keeping pace with the latest international practices in the diagnosis and treatment of chest and respiratory diseases, in a way that enhances the quality of healthcare services provided to patients.
Dr. Maryam Athbi Al Jalahma, CEO of Government Hospitals Administration, mentioned that hosting the conference forms part of the administration's strategy to support specialised medical fields, build the capabilities of healthcare professionals, and provide scientific platforms that contribute to the development of clinical practice in line with the highest international standards. She praised the strong scientific participation, the high organisational standards, and the effective cooperation with partners in delivering this specialised scientific event.
Dr. Muneer Mahdi, Consultant Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine, Head of the Respiratory Unit at Salmaniya Medical Complex, and Chairman of the BTC 2026, highlighted that the conference aims to present the latest scientific developments in chest and respiratory diseases, discuss key clinical challenges, and organise practical workshops to enhance the skills of doctors and healthcare practitioners. He expressed pride in the wide participation of specialists and experts from inside the Kingdom and abroad.
The scientific programme covers several specialised areas, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and chest infections. It also includes sessions on thoracic surgery, respiratory care, and mechanical ventilation, reflecting the comprehensive scope of the conference and its importance in supporting the continuous development of healthcare services in this domain.