With great pride and honour, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Medical University of Bahrain extends its sincere congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain on the historic medical achievement of the Kingdom's successful completion of the world’s first sickle cell disease patient treatment outside the US using CRISPR-based bone marrow transplantation; reflecting its leadership in the field of healthcare.

This success represents a significant addition to the medical accomplishments of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as it becomes the second nation globally and the first in the Middle East to adopt this cutting-edge treatment. This achievement underscores its commitment to embracing the latest medical technologies to ensure the highest standards of healthcare for its citizens and residents.

In this context, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain acknowledges the substantial attention given by the wise leadership to the health sector, under the guidance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the esteemed King of the country, and the diligent follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. His Royal Highness graciously visited the patient to check on his health, a humane gesture that embodies the leadership's concern for the health of its citizens and its continuous dedication to the development of medical services in the Kingdom.

Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, added: “RCSI Medical University of Bahrain extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Health, the Royal Medical Services, and all concerned doctors, researchers and medical staff who contributed to achieving this success, from the bone marrow transplant teams to the research and development teams, who worked with dedication to ensure the application of this technology with the highest standards of quality and safety. Their devoted efforts have not only achieved this accomplishment but have also transformed the lives of patients, giving them hope for a healthier future with a better quality of life.”