American Express Middle East said that it will support the upgrade of medical equipments in the American Mission Hospital (AMH) through its gold sponsorship of AMH Island Classic Charity Golf Tournament.

Prem Patel, senior director, marketing – American Express Middle East and North Africa, presented a cheque for BD5,000 ($13,263) to Dr Paul Armerding, CEO of American Mission Hospital.

The Island Classic Charity golf tournament is an exclusive annual sporting event and the major fundraiser of American Mission Hospital held under the patronage of His Majesty the King Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at his private golf course in Saffriya.

A major event in the social calendar of Bahrain, the Island Classic benefits the expansion, renovation and rebuilding of the American Mission Hospital in Bahrain.

"American Express strongly believes in community programmes such as AMH Island Classic Charity Golf Tournament that positively impacts the society," said Patel. “For the second year, we are pleased to support the oldest hospital in Bahrain. Our funds are going towards the purchase of a cardiac monitor for the Medical Surgical Pediatric Unit.”

Dr Paul L Armerding, CEO, American Mission Hospital, said: “As the first hospital in Bahrain it has always been our mission to provide quality medical care to the community. AMH is also actively involved with several community projects through which we attempt to make a difference in our society.

"As a non-profit healthcare provider, the hospital has flourished through the support of the community. Today, after a century of providing medical services, we continue to stand by our commitment to this community thanks to American Express and other sponsors.”

First held in February 1997, the Island Classic has garnered immense support of the Bahraini community. Members of the ruling family and business entities view the event as a strong vehicle to support the hospital's century-long provision of modern medical care on a not-for-profit basis to the residents of Bahrain and the region.

Bahnaz Abbas, marketing and development coordinator and Island Classic organiser, said: "This year, the AMH Island Classic Charity golf tournament will tee off on Thursday, November 6, for three days of fun-filled play. The tournament will culminate with the gala dinner at The Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa on November 27, 2008." - TradeArabia News Service